Here is what she had to say:
We're collecting new (or very gently used), warm coats and clothing for refugee children who live here in Salt Lake City. The kids in question came to SLC from war torn areas in Africa and Asia. Most of them have never experienced snow and have nothing appropriate to wear. The refugee specialist we've been working with says they are still desperately in need of warm children's clothing for this season. It's already November, so we're going to have to do this thing QUICKLY.
I'm collecting clothing locally (the old fashioned way - walking around handing out flyers and pestering friends and neighbors) - but I also wanted to start a virtual clothing drive.
The idea is pretty basic: You purchase new infant/toddler/child/teen size coats and/or warm clothing online and ship your items directly to the refugee center. Once you've purchased your items, come back here (to this post or any other) and let me know what you donated so we can keep track of how close we're getting to the goal. (You can email me if you're feeling shy.)
My goal is to wrangle 100 new coats and/or warm winter outfits. (Gloves and boots are always good too.)
The shipping address is:
Gayane Manukyan
Att: 100 Coats for Kids Project
Refugee Center at AAU
1588 South Major Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84115
In order to help spread the word about the clothing drive, I'm giving away a $25 gift card to Amazon.com. To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment.
I'm also going to do one of those obnoxious things where you get additional entries if you blog or tweet or facebook about it. (Those tweet/blog/facebook type giveaways always sort of make me want to punch myself in the face, but I figure this is for the good of humanity.)
(Or at least the rag-tag little portion of humanity currently shivering on the playground over at Rose Park Elementary.)
So please, please - submit this post to the social media gods at facebook or twitter or Digg or kirtsy or wherever you happen to currently do your social media worshipping.
(For those of you concerned that this is self-promotional and I will benefit in some way from the traffic - 1) I don't have ads, and 2) I'm sure that if by some miracle my blog ever became anything close to popular, I would promptly take an eight month blogging break and lose all of my readers.) (It's what I do.)
If anyone else would like to get involved - locally or virtually - please email me or leave your info in the comments. The more people we can get involved, the better.
The giveaway ends Thursday night at midnight MT. Thanks for spreading the word.
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I've gotten a few tips for buying cheap coats online, if you're looking to contribute but are low on funds (aren't we all!):If you have any tips to add, please let me know!
- Jen pointed out that coats are on sale (50% off) online at Old Navy right now.
- Tiffany contributed a 30% off coupon that can be used at Old Navy and Gap: http://gap.m.delivery.net/w/
webView?cid=16269496540&mid= 1854136713&pid=786400&vid= 13665&ee= dGlmZmluZWVAaG90bWFpbC5jb20_& si=&mv=H&bv=H&oc=H&sc=&k=1kW_ 69 - Candice left a comment saying that Walmart is having a 97 cent shipping sale, and that their coats start at around $15
- Janell found some good deals on eBay
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Please leave us a comment if you plan to help in this worthwhile cause.
This is a wonderful cause to get kids involved in as well. You can have a FHE on blessings, and point out all of the blessings you have as a family and then have them help purchase or find gently used coats to donate. Think of the great lessons on giving and gratitude you will be teaching your children!
