The word “warm,” as defined by the dictionary, has at least two meanings.
The first involves temperature, where the heat is adequate and not too hot. The other addresses feelings, that is of enthusiasm, affection and kindness.
Therefore, the Recorder’s charitable clothing drive known as Warm the Children couldn’t have a better moniker.
It starts with a simple premise: children should have the right type of clothing that will keep them warm during the winters here in Franklin County. But we know there are families unable to afford what others take for granted — winter coats, pants, boots, hats, scarves or mittens.
More than 20 years ago, The Recorder saw not only the need but a way to provide winter clothing to our less fortunate neighbors. Since 1993, Warm the Children has been embraced not only by The Recorder and other local sponsors but also by so many residents of the county.
That community support was vital in that first year to meet the goal of $20,000 and provide 250 children with $80 worth of clothing apiece. The desire to help has only grown since, allowing Warm the Children to increase its reach to meet the needs of so many boys and girls. Today, we raise in the neighborhood of $100,000 to provide for 1,000 young recipients.
Activity around Warm the Children has become a year-round effort. And none of this would be possible without the generosity of so many residents in the area. They are the ones who make donations, hold events to raise money and take up the knitting needles to provide, hats, mittens and socks. Meanwhile, businesses and organizations have stepped up to help as sponsors. For the past couple of years, Wilson’s Department Store in Greenfield and the anti-poverty agency Community Action have joined The Recorder in seeing that boys and girls and their parents are able to enjoy a chance to shop for new clothing for the coming winter season, with Wilson’s procuring the clothing through its wholesale suppliers and Community Action helping find the most needy.
Without the willingness of area residents to put the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, the children, at the forefront, Warm the Children would not live up to its goal of keeping young people warm in winter, an act that warms the heart as well.
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.