United Way KFL&A coat drive returns with 10 drop-off locations across the region

Coats for Community runs Oct. 17 to Nov. 16, collecting adult winter outerwear for people in need across Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington.

United Way KFL&A is asking residents to donate winter coats as its annual Coats for Community drive returns from Oct. 17 to Nov. 16.

The campaign accepts clean, new or gently used adult winter outerwear that is washable and in good condition. Leather and heavy wool coats are not accepted.

Last year, more than 1,300 items were donated through the drive and immediately went toward helping community members in need, said John DiPaolo, president and CEO of United Way KFL&A.

Volunteers will sort donations and distribute coats to agencies across Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington.

Financial donations are also accepted to help United Way purchase coats in specialty sizes and fill gaps in available supplies. Donations can be made online.

Yessica Rivera Belsham, community care manager at Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest, said the drive provides warmth through both donated coats and community support for individuals and families facing winter with limited resources.

Coats can be dropped off at the following locations from Oct. 17 to Nov. 16.

Kingston:

- United Way KFL&A office: 417 Bagot St. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

- Cataraqui Centre Guest Services: 945 Gardiners Rd. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Calvin Park Branch Library: 88 Wright Cres. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Central Branch Library: 130 Johnson St. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Isabel Turner Library: 935 Gardiners Rd. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Pittsburgh Branch Library: 80 Gore Rd. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Kingston City Hall: 216 Ontario St. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Frontenac:

- Sydenham Branch Library: 4412 Wheatley St. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lennox & Addington:

- Napanee Branch Library: 25 River Rd. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Amherstview Branch Library: 322 Amherst Dr. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information about the drive is available on the United Way KFL&A website.

Story by Alyssa Brush