Support Our Community Through Coats and Meals

As the holiday season approaches, overconsumption is at its highest, as this month is considered the busiest shopping time of the year. It’s important to remember that not everyone has access to basic necessities. Giving back to the community not only benefits those receiving the items, but also the individual for making a difference to help families stay warm and nourished throughout the colder months. In our community, there are countless ways to give back with local coat drives and food banks.

Local coat drives are a perfect opportunity for service in the area. There are year-round coat drives and ones specified for the holiday season. Both the Salvation Army and Goodwill accept coat donations year-round, and they can be donated at local drop-off points and donation centers. The department store Burlington has a Burlington Coat Drive from Veterans Day to Christmas Eve.

Here, you can donate new or gently used coats to help those in need through their partnership with Catholic Charities. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Kennett Area Community Winter Coat Drive, founded by the Unionville Presbyterian Church and the Kennett Square Rotary Club. The coats have been donated and delivered for the children of the Maternal Child Health Consortium, which is a non-profit organization that ensures people are maintaining healthy eating habits. There are also several programs in the Unionville and Kennett Square areas to provide groceries and meals for residents in the area.

KACS Food Cupboard in Kennett Square gears up for the holidays by creating special food drives like providing Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to hundreds of local families. The Salvation Army of West Chester serves weekly breakfasts and dinners alongside a twice-weekly pantry. Lastly, Chester County Food Bank supplies food, meal sites, and offers an online app to locate open resources around the holidays. All of these companies accept donations through online payments, mailing a check, and dropping off food at their location during the weekdays.

Ultimately, donating to food and coat drives throughout the holiday season ensures that families facing hardships have access to necessities throughout the holiday season. By supporting local organizations, the neighborhood is strengthened. Serving our community during the holidays reflects generosity and compassion in this season of giving.