With Old Man Winter already lurking about Santa Maria, and the economy still in a bad place, there are more people in need of basic supplies these days. That’s where RaboBank and the Santa Maria Noontime Kiwanis chapter come in. They’re holding their 13th annual December Coat Drive, but they can’t help those in need by themselves.
RaboBank will set up drop boxes in all five local branches—one in Orcutt and four in Santa Maria. People with clean and “gently used” coats can deposit them in the drop boxes during branch hours.
In the past, the drive was only held Monday through Friday, but because of the early arrival of winter and the dire economic situation, the drive is being extended. It will end on Dec. 15.
“We elected to end it on Wednesday, so we can collect [the jackets] all at once,” said Cindy Bayless, Kiwanis community service chair.
According to Bayless, donors used to come in after the drives had ended, so club members would have to return to RaboBank branches to collect them.
There isn’t any specified guideline for jackets. All sizes, from child to adult, are acceptable.
After the Kiwanis collect the coats, they’ll be delivered to Catholic Charities, and, from there, to other various charities, like Good Samaritan Shelter.
The Kiwanis said in a statement that they hope the extended time frame for donations will increase the number of jackets brought in for children and families having trouble providing basic needs.
For more information, visit santamariakiwanis.org.
Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 9-16, 2010.