Family Matters, local library collecting warm winter apparel for children, teens here

by Dan McClelland

The Family Matters Resource Center and the Tupper Lake Public Library have teamed up this fall to keep kids warmer this winter.

The two agencies have embarked on what they are calling a “Winter Coat Drive,” but it includes more than just coats.

They are looking to the community to donate what they are calling “gently used and like new winter items,” which include coats, hats, gloves, ski pants, mittens and every type of outdoor apparel.

Donated items are being collected at Family Matters’ headquarters in the former Holy Ghost Academy building at 40 Marion Ave. and at the local library on Lake Street. At the former HGA there is box in the entrance area to accept clothing or monetary donations.

Clothing sizes they are seeking are infant to size 14/16.

Many parents have good clothing their kids have grown out of and which are in very good shape, noted Bethany Cassell who directs Family Matters.

“We’re focussing mostly on children but are accepting teenager-sized winter clothing as well.” Some teenagers may fit into adult clothing so we’ll take some of that as well, she noted.

Family Matters is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the needs of parents and their children. It is funded by the United Way and the Office of Children and Families, plus others.

It is sponsored by the Child Care Coordinating Council and the main office is in Plattsburgh. There are also offices here and in Malone.

Family Matters offers play groups open to any parent or caregiver and the children under their care. “The kids get to play, socialize and we do a variety of activities,” according to Mrs. Cassell, who herself is a mother of eight. Some of Bethany and Michael’s kids are adults now and their baby is six.

She noted she took her own kids to play groups when they were younger- so the activities she directs at Family Matters are a natural continuation of that.

She said the idea of a clothing drive came from some of the parents in their program who have developed an informal clothing lending program.

“Someone may have clothing in good shape they don’t need or that their children have outgrown and someone else may need it. It’s a wonderful resource for local families. It’s better for the environment as the clothes aren’t discarded. It helps parents clothe their children without having to purchase new clothes for them.

She said seeing all these parents coming together to help each other out, they thought they could take the clothing drive to the entire community so that all kids here have warm clothes for this winter.

Monetary donations are also most welcome, notes Courtney Carey, the library director who has expanded the library offerings to offer a number of new services during her time here. Checks or cash can be dropped off at the library or at the Family Matters office. Checks should be made out to the Tupper Lake Public Library.

Donations of cash or checks should be made before October 16 so that there’s time to order new clothing. Distribution of the warm pieces of apparel will be at the former HGA building gymnasium on November 1, 2 and 3. “People can just stop in and take what they need for their children,” Mrs. Cassell explained.

Clothing donations will be collected through October 31, Ms. Carey noted.

“We’re primarily looking for clean, like new or gently used winter outdoor clothing of all types,” according to the library director. “No rips or tears and zippers should be in working order!”

As to how many articles of winter clothing they need, Mrs. Cassell said: “We’re just hoping there’s enough so that every parent who shows up in the former gym on those three days in early November will find out what they need for their children.

“We’re hoping for a lot of clothing donations

For more information on the winter drive Mrs. Cassell can be contacted at bcassell@cccnc.org or the organization’s office at (51) 359-8167.