Long-running Cape Breton community clothing drive underway

One of Cape Breton’s longest-running community clothing drives returned Monday.

Since launching with a single collection bin in a Schwartz Furniture showroom in 2013, Give A Kid A Coat has collected thousands coats, hats, mittens, and other winter items for children and teens across the island.

This year’s drive runs until Dec. 12, with new and gently used winter clothing accepted at seven drop-off locations across Cape Breton and Dartmouth.

Brian Purchase, president and CEO of Schwartz Furniture, says the campaign’s growth belongs to the community.

“We put out the bins, but the community is what makes Give A Kid A Coat work,” Purchase said in a release. “Thirteen years is a long time for any campaign to last, and it only happens because people keep coming through our doors with bags of coats, year after year. We’re grateful to every person who has donated, and to Lindsay Construction and Two Rivers Wildlife Park for working with us on this important initiative.”

Organizers are encouraging individuals, families, schools, sports teams, and workplaces to take part. All sizes and styles are welcome, from toddler to teen.

Donations are accepted during regular business hours until Dec. 12 at Schwartz Furniture locations in Glace Bay, Sydney, North Sydney and Port Hastings; Lindsay Construction on Grand Lake Road in Sydney and Eileen Stubbs Avenue in Dartmouth; and Two Rivers Wildlife Park in Mira.