Stettler and District's Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has launched a program this year called "Coats for Kids" to help parents keep their children warm this winter.
The cost of a warm winter coat or jacket can sometimes be more than what struggling parents can afford, requiring them to rely on third or fourth generation hand-me-downs, or to do without. With young children especially hard on their clothes, and growing so quickly, a winter coat is sometimes a tough investment.
Stettler's FCSS started accepting jacket donations in August of this year.
"Being a human services office, we recognize the needs and supports that need to be put in place within our community," Patrick Callin with Stettler FCSS said. "Coats are expensive, we understand that some struggling families can't afford to buy a new one every year for a growing child."
It's not just children the program looks to help, but adults too.
"Perhaps they (adults) purchased (a warm winter jacket) for the children, but they cannot afford to purchase one for themselves that is warm enough," Callin added.
Though FCSS helps run the "Christmas Hamper" program, Coats for Kids is separate from the program. FCSS works hand-in-hand with the Hamper program as well as schools and groups.
"We've received positive response from the community, considering the program started in only August," Callin said. "Among the donations received are lots of coats, but we are in need of more warm, gently used coats and jackets in children's and adults sizes," Callin said.
If you or someone you know has a jacket and would like to donate it, please contact Stetter FCSS.