During the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office annual golf tournament, an event that raises money for Warm the Children, organizer Norma Lovett was shocked to learn they had set a record. This summer the event raised about $13,500 for Warm the Children, the most ever in its 12 years.
Lovett is excited about the achievement, which plows all that cash into winter clothes for next year’s Warm the Children drive, a community partnership organized by The Recorder that raises money, then purchases and gives away children’s winter clothing. Lovett said the office has been doing some form of a fundraiser for Warm the Children for 16 years, and switched to the tournament 12 years ago.
“We feel like we’re touching the community,” she said.
Lovett has also served as a volunteer at the shopping days in September and has seen firsthand how the families react to the community’s generosity.
“It’s very rewarding, when you see the people come and they’re so grateful,” she said.
While the donations from that event, and other large fundraisers, have a huge impact on the charity, most of the money comes from small donations from individuals.
Kelsey Klerowski, from The Recorder business office, said most donations are in the $20 to $100 range and many are contributed by the same individuals year after year. This year, she said a couple had people donate to Warm the Children in place of giving them wedding gifts. Several local businesses donate as well.
However, the bulk of donations are smaller in nature, and just add up. Every year the goal is to collect $85,000 to get 1,000 children clothing for the winter whose families may otherwise struggle to get it for them.
“You see these checks from people you know don’t have very much — but donate anyway. It’s really heartwarming,” Klerowski said.
For Lovett, the way the community rallies around the event has been great to see year after year. She said there is always a waiting list for the golf teams. Lovett works on the tournament year-round and is always looking for sponsors or raffle item donations.
Lovett can be reached at 413-774-4014, ext. 2151.
To donate to Warm the Children, send a check to: Warm the Children, c/o The Recorder, P.O. Box 1367, Greenfield, MA 01302. New clothing may also be dropped off at The Recorder, at 14 Hope St., any time during the year.
The Recorder will carry weekly stories about the progress of this year’s drive and the people helping and helped over the next several weeks. If you have stories to tell about Warm The Children or are planning fundraisers, let us know.
You can reach Miranda Davis at: mdavis@recorder.com