Muscatine

We will donate within the next 2 days.  Coats, if they are still needed.  My wife will check with the individual schools today and tommorrow.  Coats or anything else that might be needed for any child that needs it.

But I have a question for Kurious (or anyone):  Is there a person in the school system that coordinates this kind of thing city wide for the school children??  If not, maybe that is something that we can suggest at the next school board meeting?  I'm thinking of someone who would keep track of the kids up to date needs, etc.

I can see where coats would be the most important thing right now, but after that, how about gloves/hats/socks/clothes?    The Hilltop used to (years ago) collect food and toys at Christmas and the steady customers would get with the employees and distribute this stuff to needy families each Christmas.  What do you think?  Can anyone clear this up for me? 

By the way Kurious, I thank you for starting this thread, bringing it to our attention, or just reminding us to get off our butts and do what we can.

The person who originally sent the email said she was going to check with the school board about this because she also said she'd found there were kids at Washington who didn't have coats and she hadn't checked with Jefferson yet.

It would be great if this could all be coordinated...teachers certainly know who needs what. I wonder if there would be a way to somehow set up some type of "clearinghouse" for this type of thing? Or do existing charities already do that? There are so many who seem to slip through the cracks when they truly need help. Maybe this is something we should investigate and see if by next year a few of us could form some kind of committee and teachers could let us know what the needs are.

I know last year the need was for hats and mittens and a lot of you donated mittens. A lot of these kids have "parents" and I use that term loosely, who just don't care and would rather spend the money on cigarettes or drugs than a coat for their kids.

There are a lot of good, intelligent people here...what do we do about this so it doesn't happen every year?

I just found out that the 16 kids in the original email all got coats the very same afternoon. Isn't that fabulous? But, there are still kids at Washington and Jefferson who need coats. So...those of you who are planning to donate but haven't gotten out because of the weather might want to call those schools first instead of dropping off at Garfield.

I think it's wonderful that people are generous enough that 16 kids without coats have them within hours. Bless all of you who gave and who still intend to do so.

great post. I lived on the street in San Francisco. i was 25 and through some bad choices I was on the street. It was an eye opening experience and taught me a lot. Ever tried to get a job when you can't afford to wash your clothes or take a shower. I could have call my family back here, but I got myself into that mess and I was not gonna burden my family. it took me months to pull myself up by the boot straps. that was in the early 90's when the economy was doing good. ever stay in a flop house, it was horrible. not being able to shower everyday, not knowing where your meals where coming from and the list goes on. I am so lucky to have a job. I have been telling everyone I know about this post. I too will try and do something to help when I get paid.  the company I work for has done work down there. I am struggling but it could be tons worse. I am very thank for what little I do have. plus just wanted to help keep this post on the front page.