Heads up everyone … time to update your calendar. The Share the Warmth clothing drive and giveaway at the Mettawee Community School takes place this year on Friday, October 13th through Sunday, October 15th. This is one month earlier than the traditional November weekend for this annual community effort to gather and distribute clothes for people in need.
West Pawlet’s Brooke Burnham has been the driving force behind this community tradition since its 2008 inception. The former Mettawee paraeducator who now works in the same capacity at Burr & Burton, explains the reasoning behind the move. “November is simply a little too late,” says Burnham. “We need to get warmer clothes to people sooner.”
This year’s date also holds a personal connection for Burnham. “This year’s clothing drive is in honor of my Mom,” says Burnham. “We lost an amazing woman 16 years ago on October 13, 2007. My mother taught me everything, including the importance for giving back to my community. I’m so grateful to be able to follow in her footsteps.”
Mettawee’s Share the Warmth program is structured with two components. First, on Friday, October 13th, clothing donations can be dropped off at the Mettawee Community School between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. All sizes and types of clothing — especially for the winter — will be accepted along with outerwear, accessories, bedding and shoes.
With the earlier October scheduling, Halloween costumes are eagerly welcome. Note that all clothing must be clean, smoke free and reusable.
As the donations arrive at the school on Friday, Burnham and volunteers, including Mettawee students and staff, will organize the donations for the weekend giveaway.
“I’m so proud of Mettawee’s connection to Share the Warmth,” says school principal Brooke DeBonis. “The kids, families and staff look forward to helping out and eagerly pitch in. It serves as a vital lesson for our students on the value of making contributions to your community.”
The second phase of Share the Warmth takes place over the weekend of October 14-15. On both Saturday and Sunday, the school gymnasium will be open to the public from surrounding towns from 9 am to 2 pm each day. People are reminded to bring your own bags.
Anyone wishing to make a donation prior to October 13th should contact Burnham directly. She can be reached on her cell at 802-342-6377 or email at lbbw1999ollieowen@yahoo.com. Burnham will then make arrangements for the garments to be picked up by her family or local volunteers.
And for the members of the public who visit the Mettawee Community School on the weekend of the clothing drive, Burnham offers only one caveat. “Take what you need and need what you take.”
Her mom would be proud.
