About 20 children received new winter coats and items at the International WeLoveU Foundation’s community building in New Windsor, NY. On Sunday, November 13, 2022, WeLoveU welcomed families to WeLo’s Winter Weather Clothing Drive donation event. For weeks, volunteers hosted clothing drives at community centers like libraries and gyms as well as their companies to participate in the cause.

Statistics reflect that around 30% of children in fourth grade or younger are living below the poverty line in New York, NY. The National Center for Homeless Education reported 1.5 million students in public school districts experience homelessness each year. With the winter weather approaching, children are more susceptible to developing hypothermia or infections like pneumonia. The winter season can also be expensive for families, and the economic crisis has exacerbated people’s budgets. In response to such a challenging time, WeLoveU’s coat donation hopes to provide children with an equal opportunity to receive resources for a warmer winter. 

Supporting Our Youth in New Windsor

Upon entering WeLoveU’s community center, families walked through a shopping-like experience with their children. There were coat racks stocked with new coats of all styles and sizes paired with tall mirrors. Although many items were donated with children ages 5-10 in mind, children below and above the age range were able to receive new winter items too. After selecting their new coat, children then picked their choice of a new scarf, hat, or gloves. Families took group photos with the kids wearing their new jackets, and they wrote on a community thank you card.

With the support of donors, children in Orange County, NY, will keep warm this winter. Similar WeLoveU coat donation events will take place in four other locations: Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. “This year’s coat drive is needed now more than ever,” expressed Carly Adames, a volunteer coordinator of WeLoveU educational programs. “Countless families are feeling the economic burdens caused by the rapid rise in inflation. WeLoveU hopes to alleviate that burden even a little bit and is committed to keeping children warm this winter.”