jackiedoherty.org

News, schools, and views from a uniquely Lowell perspective
3rd January 2008

Share the warmth

posted in City Life |

Bad enough to leave sunny southern California and return to Lowell in time for a New Year’s Day storm, but to wake up this morning to icy temperatures in the single digits was too much. (We all came down with nasty head colds and coughs too, which didn’t help our transition back to New England.) No wonder Massachusetts is losing residents! Who in their right mind chooses to live here? Okay, I know there are a lot of us—hearty types with a penchant for pain and ruggedness.  We can take the icy winds stinging our faces, watering our eyes, and slicing through our clothing. We’re tough. The way I figure it, it’s the people who keep us here—friends and family, and authentic folk who are not afraid to be themselves. On that note, I’d like to remind you to be a person who shares warmth by helping others when you can. One way is to take coats you don’t wear or that don’t fit your kids anymore and bring them to Anton’s Cleaners. They also take scarves, mittens, and hats. Anton’s will clean them and get them to area shelters and distribution centers where they can be put to good use keeping someone warm.  It’s also a good excuse to clean out your closets, but don’t delay: baby, it’s cold outside today, so share the warmth now! According to their website, Anton’s will be collecting Coats for Kids until Jan. 15.

There are currently 5 responses to “Share the warmth”

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  1. 1 On January 4th, 2008, K-R-S said:

    On a further warmer note…Anton’s works with the Lowell Wish Project, assisting thousands of needy
    children and adults in the City of Lowell. So, at least everyone may know, that these donations to
    Anton’s actually benefit folks in our own community. On a coat note…Jackie, saw quite a few children coming from the Stokloska School today in sweatshirts…no gloves, no hats…just sweatshirts and backpacks…if I had the coats myself, I’d have offered these children coats! Is this just the “cool” thing or lack of oversight by parents?
    I can’t believe the staff haven’t noticed this state of affairs!

  2. 2 On January 4th, 2008, Jackie said:

    Good point about the Wish Project (which is also listed on Anton’s website). The issue of kids without coats is twofold: I know some kids don’t want bulky coats and prefer sweatshirts with lighter weight jackets over them (part style, part locker space issue). I also know about kids, especially younger ones, who go without because they have no choice. A teacher told me about a fourth grader who told her “his daddy didn’t have money for a coat right now,” which is why he only wore sweatshirts. It’s heartbreaking and staff are definitely aware of it. I have heard of teachers and principals bringing in coats, etc for Lowell kids. P.S. Anton’s also recycles hangers and plastic.

  3. 3 On January 8th, 2008, K-R-S said:

    Well then…bring it on…to the Wish Project! We are here for Lowell! We can and WILL handle all of the requests.
    It is completely unacceptable that a child would go w/out a winter coat on a winters day b/c his parent did not have the resources!

  4. 4 On January 8th, 2008, K-R-S said:

    Jackie, the issue of coats for kids is basic…when folks have the basics, they do that much
    better (school work & life) .

  5. 5 On January 9th, 2008, Jackie said:

    I agree. FYI, I have passed this information onto the school department, in particular Sue Smith in Student Services, and an email was sent to all school social workers to let teachers and staff know that WISH has hundreds of clean, gently worn coats available in all sizes.

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