Informal hat and scarf giveaway makes Batavia warmer

The green plastic bin in the lobby of the Batavia Police Department containing hats, scarves and mittens could be mistaken for a "lost and found" depository - but for the signs affixed to it.

"Need One? Take One," they read. "No strings attached, just pay it forward."

The drive was started by Amy Girmscheid, after she read about a campaign in which people tied scarves around light posts with notes saying people could take them. When she discussed the idea on Facebook, some friends pointed out the items would get wet and icy, and suggested putting them in sheltered locations instead.

The idea is to offer warmth to those in need who might not be likely to contact a charity or visit the Clothes Closet at the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. It will also be good for people who, like the Three Little Kittens in the nursery rhyme, have lost their mittens. Or adults who didn't listen to the weather forecast and get caught unaware by a snowstorm.

"It is kind of for anybody," Girmscheid said. "It just kind of morphed into what Batavia needs."

So far, about 300 items have been donated.

There also are bins at the Batavia Library, Batavia Apartments, Calvary Episcopal Church, Batavia Civic Center, Eastside Community Center, and the Pace bus shelter at Route 31 and Wilson Street.

Girmscheid is also working to place them in Batavia's schools, supplementing the informal stash teachers and secretaries often have to make sure needy children are adequately outfitted for winter temperatures. The schools have especially requested socks, she said.

Donations of new and good-condition items can be placed in any of the bins or delivered to 890 Blaine St., Batavia. For more information, email Girmscheid at NOTOBatavia@gmail.com.