Winter coat drive helps families in need

Deb Newman recognizes that Naperville looks like a community of "haves." But through her volunteer work, she knows the community has a number of "have nots" - people who are struggling financially, maybe homeless.

As winter approaches, Newman and the members of the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise are working to make sure neighbors in need stay warm. The club is collecting winter wear for people and families who use the services of Sharing Connections, Hesed House and Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.

"We in the community have so much," said Newman, a 20-year Rotary Club member. "People don't think twice about having a coat for winter."

Rotary emphasizes "service above self," a motto Newman says has changed her life and influenced her children. It's a sentiment she hopes the "haves" will take to heart during the Rotary Club's coat drive.

Coats, jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, mittens and any other warm clothing in all sizes can be dropped off through Dec. 12 at about 40 locations, including Fair Oaks Ford, Downtown Naperville Alliance, Casey's Foods, Dr. Joe Haselhorst, Fry YMCA, Kroehler YMCA, Russell's Dry Cleaners, Naperville Park District, Dr. Thomas DeLacey, Naperville Unit District 203, School of the Performing Arts, Naper Grove Vision Care, Newman Architecture, Wells Fargo Advisors-Ron Carter, Mid-American Real Estate, Ellman's Music Center, Nania Energy, NMFM Offices, Anderson's Bookshop and Naperville Clinical Associates. Businesses still can become donation sites.

Donated items will be given to Sharing Connections, Hesed House and Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and distributed to people and families in need, Newman said.

Sharing Connections, based in Downers Grove, helps families living below the poverty line to furnish a home with donated items, and also offers client families clothing and toys. The nonprofit serves families in DuPage County and beyond.

Hesed House in Aurora is a homeless resource center that goes beyond being an overnight shelter to offer housing programs designed to return people to self-sufficiency, as well as counseling, job training, and medical and legal aid.

Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans in Wheaton offers transitional housing for veterans and two locations of affordable housing, in addition to support services for veterans and families, an employment program and the Freedom Commissary, a free thrift store where low-income veterans can select clothes and household items.

For information about the Sunrise Rotary or the coat drive, visit napervillesunrise.org. To host a collection box, call Jeanette Oakeshott at (630) 730-2808.