Orillia community groups hold coat drive for those in need

Volunteers prepare coats for coat drive in Orillia, Ont on October 16, 2024 (CTV News/Dave Sullivan).

As temperatures dip and many will start pulling out their winter coats local community groups are teaming up to make sure no one is left without a coat this winter.

The Orillia learning Centre and Simcoe shores secondary school are partnering with laundry lounge to bring warmth to the community with their annual winter coat drive.

"We work in a vulnerable section of the community who are struggling to find the means to get warm clothing so we work together with Orillia and community members to collect the jackets and collect the coats to provide for these people in need and the students help out with that," said, Alex Sisson, who is a teacher for Simcoe shores secondary.

Donations of gently-used winter coats can be dropped off from October 15 to November 22 during regular business hours at several locations throughout Orillia that include:

• Grace Family Chiropractic – 3230 Monarch Drive #1, Orillia
• Orillia Learning Centre – 575 West St. S., Unit 15, Orillia
• Orillia Public Library – 36 Mississaga St. W., Orillia
• St. Paul’s United Church – 62 Peter St. N., Orillia
• West Ridge Coin Laundry – 5-3280 Monarch Dr., Orillia
• Wihlidal Family Chiropractic – 15 Matchedash St. N., Orillia

Coats are needed in all sizes such as infant, child, teen, and adult, with all of the coats being cleaned before being given out.

Coats will be available for pick up from November 4 to December 20, at the Orillia learning Centre.