Looking to keep youngsters at two area elementary schools warm this winter, the Broomfield North-Metro Kiwanis Club is kicking off its annual Coat Drive.
Last year the campaign distributed 208 coats to students at Arapahoe Ridge Elementary School and Rocky Mountain Elementary School, according to Broomfield North-Metro Kiwanis Club President Kirsten Gromko.
Although both Adams 12 School District locations are not classified as Colorado Title I schools, which have a minimum of 75% of students from low-income families, Gromko said Kiwanis has lent material aid for the last several years.
“The need is there and the schools don’t get any additional funding,” she said.
The Coat Drive grew out of a Gift Giving Tree effort started by Kiwanis members nearly a decade ago to provide Christmas gifts for children at both elementary schools.
About five years ago, Kiwanis volunteers noticed students were also in need of winter gear.
“We saw a significant increase in the last three years,” Gromko said.
Each year school officials take a tally of students lacking winter coats and provide a list to the Kiwanis Club.
“If they have family members we try to accommodate them,” Gromko added.
To accompany the coat donations, Kiwanis members also buy hats and gloves to provide a trifecta of winter warmth.
The items will be distributed to students on Nov. 1.
Donations of new of lightly used coats are being accepted at the following locations: AIM Mail Center on 136th Street, Broomfield Chamber of Commerce, Broomfield High School, Thornton High School, York International School, RE/MAX Momentum in Westminster and Blue Federal Credit Union branches in Broomfield, Erie and Lafayette through Oct. 14.
