Palatine clothing drive grows to help area's needy

A massive clothing drive wrapped up this week in Palatine, culminating collections that took place throughout the Palatine area in recent weeks.

On Wednesday, volunteers worked in the back rooms of the Palatine Opportunity Center to unload and sort all of it -- more than 400 bags of winter clothes -- in preparation for the families who will select from the items.

One of their biggest problems was coming up with enough hangers to display all of the items.

Students like Fremd High School senior Evardo Chavez of Schaumburg turned out to help and garner some service hours.

"I'm basically putting clothes on hangers," Chavez said. "There's a lot here."

An organization called PATH, or Palatine Assisting Through Hope, coordinated the drive. On Wednesday alone, its members picked up bags from Palatine and Fremd high schools, the Palatine Police Department, and Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance in Itasca.

Those were just the latest of the numerous churches, businesses, schools and individuals who have contributed to the cause.

"The outpouring of donations is astounding," said Rich Tyack of Palatine, who started the PATH network after volunteering at the Palatine Opportunity Center. But so is the need, he adds.

Their efforts will come together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, when families referred by the Palatine Opportunity Center, the Palatine Township's General Assistance Fund and Palatine Township Elementary District 15 will be able to "shop for free."

They call the event a "Day of Giving," reflecting the spirit of so many community groups to help local families.

"The families that will benefit from this are truly in need," says Kathy Millin, Palatine Opportunity Center executive director.

Tyack says they hosted the first drive last winter to provide children with cold weather outerwear.

"Last year it was much, much smaller," Tyack said, looking over the four rooms, filled with stacks of clothes and racks of sweaters, jackets and outerwear.

This year, PATH has expanded its reach to provide adult clothing as well, including jackets, boots, sweaters, sweatshirts, hats and gloves.

"It's a huge outreach that really brings the community together," Tyack said. "I think it reflects the caring nature of the people in Palatine and the recognition that there are people in need in this area."