PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island lawmakers collected more than 2,600 hats, blankets, coats and other winter outwear during this year's coat drive. The supplies will be distributed to the homeless throughout the state.
The drive was organized by Sen. Dawn Euer and housing advocates, who came up with the idea during a meeting about housing bonds. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual "Buy Nothing Day" at the State House was canceled, leaving advocates concerned that the needs of the homeless would not be met.
A coat drive organized by Sen. Dawn Euer and a group of housing advocates collected more than 2,600 coats, hats, blankets and other pieces of winter gear, which will be given to homeless individuals throughout Rhode Island.
"My years as an activist left me little doubt about the generosity of our community in Rhode Island," Euer said. "But at a time when many of those who would normally contribute are struggling themselves, and when even just venturing out to public places is an uneasy experience, I did not expect the outpouring of support that we've received."
Instead of the single-day event, a drive was held from Nov. 24 to Dec. 4, and Rhode Islanders could drop off winter gear at the door of the state house. During that time, 1,275 coats, 465 hats, 204 scarves, 238 pairs of gloves and 118 blankets were donated. The large donation box located just inside the door had to be emptied "several times daily" to meet the demand, and the donations quickly filled a large Senate hearing room.
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"This tremendous response shows just how much those who can help really want to," Euer continued. "We are so grateful to everyone who showed up to provide desperately needed warmth to the many Rhode Islanders who are experiencing homelessness."
The response was so large that a large truck was needed to transport the donations, rather than the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless' employees' cars. The truck was provided, free of charge, by Teamsters Local 251.
"The Teamsters are very happy to help out with this effort to help our homeless brothers and sisters," said Matt Taibi, Teamsters Local 251 Secretary Treasurer. "We are well aware that the pandemic has not only made the needs of struggling Rhode Islanders greater, but has also made it harder than ever to connect people with the help they need. We are grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference for the most vulnerable people in our state."
Along with donations of items, Rhode Islanders gave nearly $500 in monetary contributions.
The donations will be distributed to homeless outreach agencies and workers across the state to be given to the men, women and children who need them most.
The items collected will be distributed to homeless men, women and children across the state by homeless outreach agencies and workers.
"This is huge. I just want to say thank you on behalf of the homeless people who might not get to say it, to everyone who brought these things," said Diamond Madsen, one of the drive's organizers who was once homeless herself. "They are going to be given out immediately because people are in desperate need right now. The needs are greater than ever in the pandemic, and the supports are fewer. I hope people will keep giving all winter, because we're going to need it."
Anyone looking to donate hats, gloves, coats or other winter gear can do so through another drive at Centro de Innovación Mujer Latina, located at 279 Dexter. St., Providence. Donations, will be accepted Dec. 15 through 17, and will be available to those in need Dec. 18 and 19. Monetary donations can also be made online.
