DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The Greater Scranton YMCA is hosting its second annual Winter Clothing Drive, and the organization is seeing an overwhelmingly positive response from the community.
The YMCA, located on North Blakely Street in Dunmore, originally planned to collect donations throughout the week and begin distributing items on January 12.
However, an unexpected surge in community donations prompted the YMCA to start distribution on Tuesday, January 6, nearly a week earlier than planned.
Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement and Marketing Director at the Greater Scranton YMCA, says that although the campaign began on Monday, staff members were pleasantly surprised to see the entire lobby overflowing with donations.
“I think people can now see that there is a need, and with how cold it is, we are extremely fortunate that our community is responding in this way. The donations just keep coming. As people come in to pick items up, we will continue filling in with what we have that we cannot put out yet. So, we will definitely have items available if you stop by,” said Carnevale.
She adds that budgets are tight in today’s economy, especially after the holidays, and says the YMCA is excited to give back while strengthening the community.
Donations of new or gently used clothing for all ages are still being accepted.
Now through January 14, community members are welcome to take what they need from a wide selection of free clothing, including coats, sweatshirts, pants, hats, gloves, shoes, boots, onesies, snowsuits, and more, with no questions asked.
Officials say they will likely still have plenty of clothing after the final distribution day and encourage people to call the front desk to ask whether specific items are available.
The clothing drive will be open during the YMCA’s regular business hours.
For more information, visit the Greater Scranton YMCA Facebook page.