Donations to the annual Coats For Kids campaign are down considerably from last year.
“We have less than 400 so far this year compared to 800 last year,” said Elizabeth Thain of the Red Deer Clothing Bank, which handles coat donations for the Red Deer Christmas Bureau.
She said the fact that the program ran three weeks this year compared to four in the past might be a reason for the drop. Donations are made at city dry cleaners, which donate cleaning services.
Thain said the number of damaged coats, with such issues as broken zippers and tears, is disappointing.
“The rule of thumb here is if you wouldn’t wear it yourself or ask someone in your family to wear it, don’t donate it.
“People who come here are already in a compromised situation. They shouldn’t have to wear damaged coats.”
Last year, almost 10 per cent of coat donations were discarded.
“If it’s really bad, we can’t fix it. It goes in the garbage, our garbage.”
Thain said donations can still be made in the clothing bank’s drop box in the Ross Street alley just west of Gaetz Avenue. Doing so when volunteers are present — from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays — is best.
“We’ve had problems with people sleeping in the box.”
Shortfalls in donations — “We never have enough men’s coats,” Thain said — are met with proceeds from the small thrift shop at its store front at 5005 Ross St.
“The United Way pays our rent but everything else, all our expenses, (are paid) from the thrift shop.”
The volunteer-run organization is open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. Those who’d like to volunteer can contact the clothing bank at 403-347-6909.