"They've been recipients of this community's support for years now. We're really sensing it this year. This community is really incredible. This is a nice way for us to give back," said Deb Lowney, the team's head coach.
"Share the Warmth" kicked off Dec. 23, with collection boxes at local businesses. Collections are gathered on a weekly basis, with Jan. 18 the final day donations will be accepted. The Homer Community Food Pantry will distribute the items Jan. 19.
Specifically requested are coats, jackets, sweaters, scarves, hats, mittens and gloves, shoes, socks and boots. The items can be new or gently used and clean. Nonperishable food items also will be accepted.
"The stuff we're getting is really good stuff," Nester said. "Everyone that's collecting keeps talking about how good the quality is we're getting. That's nice. Very nice," said event coordinator Judi Nester.
Friendly competition between collection sites revealed the following grand totals:
Captain's Coffee, 108 items;
Safeway, 95 items;
Ulmer's, 53 items;
Kachemak Gear Shed, 41 items;
Fritz Creek General Store, 40 items;
Spenard Builders Supply, 19 items;
Homer Jeans, 18;
Homer High School girls basketball team began collecting Monday.
Last week's count was a total 272 items, including several nonperishable food items. It more than doubled what was donated the first week.
As was seen last week, items in adult sizes far outnumber those for children. As of Monday, there were 334 adult items and 34 children-sized items.
HOPE member Lani Raymond plans to take that need to a local knitting group, asking for their help in making children's hats and scarves. Lowney anticipates the high school also can help meet the need.
"High school kids grow out of clothes so darned quickly. What a great place to put some of those clothes that are of high quality and yet not being worn any more," Lowney said. "With Christmas having arrived, they've probably replaced a lot of these things, so let's go through closets and see what we can do."
On Jan. 18, HOPE will sort the clothing by size before working with Diana Jeska of the Homer Community Food Pantry to distribute the items Jan. 19. Anything left over won't be left over for long. Jeska plans to share the items with food pantries in Anchor Point and across the bay, as well as Haven House and Refuge Chapel.
"We've had a great turnout and are going to push hard for a week before our (basketball) schedule becomes too intense," Lowney said. "This is the perfect opportunity to participate. It's really cool. It really is."
McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibbenjackinsky.@homernews.com.
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Homer Alaska - Local Stories -
Story last updated at
8:21 PM on
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Donations mount for 'Share the Warmth'
By McKibben Jackinsky
Staff writer
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