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GREENSBORO – Though it may seem like summer was just yesterday, many have felt the twinge of changing seasons during these October early mornings. But Greensboro resident Cathy Spencer knows that these gradually decreasing temperatures can mean increased stress for families struggling to afford warm clothing.
Every year in early November, before mother nature has the chance to get frigid, Spencer organizes a winter clothing drive. “The winter clothes drive is a passion of mine,” Spencer said, “to see that everyone has clothes to keep them warm.” She acknowledged that the event – which served over 700 people last year – is not all her doing. “Angel Perez came up with the idea when he was working with Greensboro Connects and I helped him the first year as a volunteer. The second year it was run by me and Amanda Weaver.” Now, Spencer heads the operation along with a small group of friends and community members. “I couldn't do it without the help of my volunteers and the support of the Town of Greensboro, the Greensboro Lions Club, and the Greensboro Fire Company…Aarons Place is also a big supporter of this, supplying us with clothes.”
This year marks the clothes drive’s fifth anniversary. “It has turned into a great event,” Spencer said. She recalled that the very first year when it was held at Greensboro’s Town Hall, only about a dozen people showed up. By the second year, “we had so many people we ran out of clothes! That's when we knew we would need to find a bigger facility and the Greensboro Volunteer Fire Company offered their building, which is perfect.”
While many similar charitable events focus on specific items like heavy coats or socks, Greensboro’s winter clothes drive offers a little bit of everything. Everyone gets to choose one main winter coat and one layer, such as a sweater or hoodie. Then they are free to take what they need from other tables with the winter works: socks, gloves, hats, scarfs, you name it. Families sometimes chose to take a blanket, too.
“ It's an event that couldn't be made possible without the kindness of others,” Spencer said. And the gratitude for the work that goes into the drive extends to those who benefit from the clothing. “We hear so many [say] ‘thank you’ and ‘God bless you’, [there’s] just a feeling of appreciation,” Spencer added.
As this year’s clothes drive draws near, Spencer and her crew are still looking for donations to ensure they do not run out. Those who wish to donate lightly used winter clothing can drop off their items at Greensboro Town Hall during regular business hours. Donations are accepted up until Wednesday, November 4. Of course, Spencer welcomes any and all helping hands on the day of the event as well.
For those who may need something to keep them warm this winter, doors open at 10:00 a.m. on November 6. Volunteers will take a short break from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. to restock and recharge, and doors will be opened again until 7:00 p.m. The only questions asked are the amount of folks in your family, used to make sure everyone gets what they need, and zip code, for volunteers to track what areas experience the most need. Families and individuals do not have to live in Greensboro to receive the free winter clothing.
