Many people take the comfort of a warm coat on a cold winter
morning for granted, but for some children in San Benito County
that comfort is a luxury that their parents can’t afford.
Hollister – Many people take the comfort of a warm coat on a cold winter morning for granted, but for some children in San Benito County that comfort is a luxury that their parents can’t afford.
In an attempt to provide kids with warm winter clothes, local non-profit group Small Steps collects cash donations throughout the year – their effort culminating every November with a shopping spree for a host of underprivileged youth. About 350 children, from newborns to eighth graders, will get to shop for new coats, shoes, and other wintry necessities on Nov. 5 – a task foreign to many of them.
“It’s just an amazing experience,” said Sally Silva, a Small Steps board member. “A lot of these kids have never had new clothing before.”
While Small Steps has collected the $35,000 needed to buy the clothes this year – $75 for each child age 7 or younger and $100 for older kids – they still need 150 more volunteers to chaperone the kids as they pick out winter clothes at Target and Payless Shoe Source in Hollister.
“We have all the money – people are so generous – and the children are chosen. The problem now is we need volunteers,” Silva said, adding that Target and Payless are giving a 10 percent discount on the children’s purchases.
Started eight years ago, Small Steps’ sole mission is to make sure needy children have warm clothes, according to Silva. Civic groups, local businesses and individuals donate money for the clothes. Teachers from local schools choose which children will be able to participate, then volunteers take the kids shopping.
“Our purpose is to buy warm winter coats and shoes for children,” Silva said, adding that 100 percent of cash donated goes to the kids.
During its first year Small Steps was able to take 25 kids shopping. The program has grown each year.
“We keep seeing that the need is there,” Silva said. “And we hate to turn people down.”
Large donors for this year include Intero Real Estate Service, which donated $18,000, and the Republican Women Federated, which pitched in $1,400.
In addition to warm clothes, each child will receive a back pack filled with school supplies, Silva said.
Those interested in volunteering still have about a week-and-a-half to register. All volunteers need to provide an address and a drivers license, which will be checked through the Megan’s Law Web site. The site keeps track of those convicted of sex offenses. Volunteers will also be required to give a thumbprint.
For more information call Nancy at 638-2111.
Luke Roney covers local politics and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at [email protected]
