Background:
As winter approaches, there are many children and adults who need warm winter coats, hats, gloves, mittens and scarves.
Once again, we are coming together as a community to help our neighbors in need through the 2024 Hunter Mill District Coat Closet. This annual coat drive is sponsored by my office — and initiated by my predecessor Supervisor Cathy Hudgins — in partnership with the nonprofit Cornerstones that is collecting and sorting the donations.
I invite our community to donate new or gently used, clean winter coats for children and adults, and new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. Coats and jackets with hoods in larger adult sizes (XL, XXL, XXXL) and all children’s sizes (newborn through teen) are especially needed. We also seek accompanying donations of plastic coat hangers. (No wire hangers, please.)
Donations may be made from Oct. 15 to Nov. 8, and they should be dropped off at Cornerstone’s offices at 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210, Reston, on Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
While in the past residents have generously donated other winter clothing, such as sweaters, snowsuits and boots, Cornerstones cannot accept these items due to space limitations. Additionally, they can only accept donations of new—not gently used—hats, gloves, mittens and scarves.
For anyone who needs one, coats will be distributed on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston.
Last year, we distributed more than 1,000 coats, hats, gloves and scarves, demonstrating the great need for this coat drive. I encourage our community to give the gift of warmth again this year!
For questions or more information, please contact Jillian O’Shea-Smith in my office by email or call 703-478-0283, TTY 711.
Motion:
Therefore, Mr. Chairman, without objection I ask that the Office of Public Affairs and Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, to promote and publicize the Hunter Mill District Winter Coat Closet through their communications channels.