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 — It was another year tight on finances, but that wasn’t going to stop Crystal Parent from getting her son Christmas gifts.
So she found a creative solution by using what she had gotten from Warm the Children.
“I actually used the coat for a Christmas present for my son, because I had to,” Parent said. “I didn’t have enough stuff for Christmas. We just used last year’s coat until Christmas came and then I was able to get him a better coat (from Warm the Children).”
The clothing drive is sponsored by the Greenfield Recorder, with partners Wilson’s Department Store and nonprofit Community Action, and funded through community donations.
“It helped with both Christmas and keeping him warm,” Parent said. “I know that some other people are thinking of doing it as well.”
This year, though, Parent is not only picking up clothing for her son, but she’s also picking up for seven other families as a helper for the United Arc — delivering gifts in a new way.
“You want your kids to go to school with coats on,” Parent said. “All the other extras are great as well. I know I get a lot of thank-you’s for stuff like this.”
The gift came even earlier for some parents, when they found out about Warm the Children this year.
“I know that a lot of people were happy to hear the phone call,” Parent said. “Some of the people who had never heard of it before were really surprised they offer such a program.”
Recipients for Warm the Children 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 toward buying the clothing.
Working with United Arc, Parent is able to pay the favor forward to other families.
“It has always helped me personally, because you always want your child to have a nice warm jacket,” Parent said. “They’re a little more expensive than the thinner ones. I know that all of these families that I’m picking up for today are very grateful, especially because some of them can’t make it down here, so for me to come pick it up for them is even more of a help.”
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 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 the Greenfield Recorder at 413-772-0261, ext. 264 or by email: jsolomon@recorder.com