DEERFIELD — The Bement School Family Association has planned a winter clothing and shelter equipment drive to benefit Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping those who are homeless.
The clothing and shelter equipment drive is slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at The Bement School campus. People can bring lightly-used tents, sleeping bags and adult-size waterproof gloves, warm socks, men’s sweats, men’s heavyweight coats, warm hats, warm boots or shoes, and brand-new long underwear to the parking lot at 583 Greenfield Road in Deerfield.
Mike Schloat, interim head of school who will become permanent head of school next month, said there is a community-wide focus on service at Bement every December.
“But we are really doubling down on that this year, given the need because of the pandemic and the economic fallout that’s … the result,” Schloat said.
Brian Pearson, a Bement parent who serves on the school’s board of directors, came up with the idea of a socially-distanced clothing and equipment drive (where participants will be asked to drive into the parking lot and drop off their donations). Schloat said it seemed like a safe way to help the local community.
“I think we’re going to get a lot of response to this, and we’re really excited about it,” he said.
Even before the clothing and equipment drive begins on Saturday, donations have already been coming in, Schloat said, noting that Crua Outdoors has donated outdoor gear. Additionally, Mazda Northampton Motors has loaned a rental van for the transport of all donations.
Schloat said the independent school’s Annual Fund — which supplements Bement’s operating budget — serves as a challenge issued to students, families, alumni and employees and, this year, generous donors have agreed to contribute matching funds.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.