UPDATE
 

 

For over a decade, the Rotary of Northbrook has been helping residents stay warm during the winter with its annual "Coat Off Your Back" collection drive.

 

In true Rotary spirit they are partnered with the Glenview Sunrise and Deerfield Clubs in their growing endeavor.  The drive is specifically focused on collecting winter coats for the many refugees that are resettling in the North Shore and Chicagoland area, along with homeless residents.

 

Distribution includes Connections for the Homeless, PADS, World Relief Chicago, and Stock the Shelves. So far the count from Week 3 (normal barrel pickup + Illuminate Northbrook) was 397 winter coats. Coats are being delivered by Two Men & A Truck to PADs, Refugee Community Connection Albany Park and Rogers Park, and St. Malachy. 

 

"Every year, refugees from different parts of the world end up being resettled in the Chicago area, frequently arriving with few possessions from home," Rick Rosenfeld, the coat drive's organizer. "There was an influx of refugees each spending their first winter in Chicago."

 

The clubs are hoping to help the community repurpose their gently-used or new winter oats as they shop for new things this season. Coats for school aged children are a big need so that they can safely walk to classes. Teens are often forgotten, and they need warm coats too.

 

"We know there are many heavy coats in people’s closets that are no longer being used, so if area residents take a few moments to check for those that could benefit from a new owner, we would be grateful." Rosenfeld said.

Donations bins are throughout the communities, all locations and updates will be posted on the Rotary websites.

 

Here are a few places to note: Northbrook Village Hall; Northbrook Chamber; American Weathermakers; North Suburban YMCA; Northbrook Library; Sunset Foods; Sanders Cleaners; Northbrook Bank Trust on Sanders; Waterways; Northbrook United Methodist Church. If you have kids – their schools may also have drop locations.

 

Don’t forget to bring a coat to Illuminate on November 22 in Village Green. The Two Men and a Truck team is again a partner in this effort, transporting coats across the greater Chicagoland area.

 

Your donation can make a difference in someone’s life. We thank you in advance for helping us. Due to the warm weather – donations are down so help is needed. Here are the locations you can drop coats off at now!

 

 

< Kids enjoying Illuminate, and the Two Men in  Truck mascot, plus Bella Svoboda & Angelina Drivas -GBN Intern Volunteers.