by Winnie Hsiu
December 14, 2011 2:27 PM
America's Self Storage in Vancouver, Washington, is partnering with the Vancouver Fire Department in its eight annual coat drive. This year is the first time that America's Self Storage will participate for the full length of the drive. (Last year, the storage facility participated only for part of the drive.)
The firefighters want clean, usable coats in all sizes but especially children's coats because those sizes are in greatest demand. People can also donate blankets. The fire station drop-off location is at the Westside Fire House, 400 East 37th Street and the America's Self Storage drop-off is at 108 NW 139th Street in Salmon Creek. Donations will be accepted through January 1, 2012.
Duane Schuman, captain at the Westside Fire Station 2, founded the coat drive in 2004. During the first year, they collected 700 coats. Over the years, participation has increased. In 2010, they collected over 3,000 coats.
Coats and blankets will be donated to needy people in the area. Leftover items will be delivered in January to places such as the YWCA, Share House, Homestead Shelter, Open House Ministries, Jason Lee Middle and Hough, Washington and Fruit Valley elementary schools.
Earlier this year, Schuman was promoted to battalion chief on the east side of Vancouver. Matt Krussow replaced Schuman as captain for Fire Westside Fire Station 2. There was a question as to whether or not the coat drive would continue.
Krussow is committed to keeping the coat drive going even though the founder has left the station. Because the drive has been going for 7 years, people are aware of the drive and want to participate. In fact, several people dropped of donations at the fire station before the drive was officially kicked off.
So far this year, America's Self Storage has collected five times as many items as it did last year. Toni Wilson, manager of the storage facility, expects the coat drive will become an annual tradition for her business, too. She feels that there are a lot of people in their neighborhood that are struggling financially and that it was time for America's Self Storage to step up and reach out and help those folks.
When people make a donation at the storage facility, their name will be placed in a drawing to win a free month's rent (if they are a current customer) or a $50.00 Visa gift card.
Sources Used.
"Vancouver firefighters warm up needy." The Columbian; 13 December 2011.
"Vancouver firefighters kick off a winter coat and blanket drive." City of Vancouver; 09 November 2011.
America's Self Storage - Vancouver.