Editor’s note: This is another installment of weekly stories about the Greenfield Recorder’s annual Warm the Children charity. Learn about those who benefit and those who make it happen.
GREENFIELD — Horses were trotting around the Franklin County fairgrounds track as the sun glistened.
While these horses made laps around the infield on this warm autumn day, families lined up at the Dole Building near the track, thinking about winter.
It was their day to pick up clothes for Warm the Children, the drive that is sponsored by the Greenfield Recorder, with partners Wilson’s department store and Community Action, and funded through community donations.
And even though the day felt more like summer than winter, the day’s agenda was clothing against the cold — something always in the back of the mind for many families.
“Today means there will be kids who will be well dressed for winter and it will help their parents financially,” said Amanda Watson while picking up clothes for families, representing the Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
Recipients are selected by Community Action, a nonprofit that helps support lower-income families. Wilson’s provides clothing racks and purchases the clothing with the donations through its suppliers, and the Recorder spearheads the fundraising efforts and handles the administration. All donations go directly to buying the clothing.
On this day, as Watson picked up for families that couldn’t make it to the shopping at the fairgrounds, she warned people should not be fooled by the weather.
“We’re in New England: It could be cold tomorrow,” she said.
The cold weather will come, and Watson wanted to make sure that families were assured that their young children would be dressed appropriately for the season.
“It’s an awesome program because it definitely serves a large part of the community that wouldn’t be able to get things for winter for their children,” Watson said.
While Watson picked up clothes for families, others came to shop, with their children along for the ride.
For Jessica Makepeace and her daughter, it was their first time getting clothes at Warm the Children.
Her daughter’s favorite parts of the day: Her coat and the horses.
As Makepeace’s daughter stood, enthralled by the horses rounding the track, her mom appreciated what they would circle back home with it.
“Today means everything to me,” Makepeace said.
Makepeace didn’t realize that she would be able to take home more than just a coat for her child. She got items like warm pajamas, socks and specially knitted hats and gloves.
“This is like a gift,” Makepeace said. “I’m on a very limited income. I take care of my mom full time. My kids are going to be warm. This is very exciting.”
To donate to Warm the Children, send a check to: Warm the Children, care of The Recorder, P.O. Box 1367, Greenfield, MA 01302. New clothing may also be dropped at the Greenfield Recorder, at 14 Hope St., any time during the year.
If you would like to publicize information about fundraisers or share a story, call Joshua Solomon at 413-772-0261, ext. 264 or by email: jsolomon@recorder.com