Project helps local kids bundle up
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The rustling of polyester jackets, the wheels of shopping carts rolling along the linoleum floor and the occasional squeals of laughter sounded throughout a department store on Saturday as volunteers helped children purchase winter clothes.
Chaperones for Project Winter Warmth brought children to Boscov's to spend $110 each on various discounted winter clothes to bundle up in.
Tracy Wilt, Project Winter Warmth secretary, said there is a huge need to provide warm winter clothing to children in the area. The project had its largest turnout this year with about 80 underprivileged children on its list, Wilt said.
Leighanna Kagarise, the 4-year-old daughter of Kyle Kagarise, was one of the children who participated in Saturday's shopping spree, chaperoned by Kenneth Becher.
With Becher at her side, Leighanna picked out snow boots, a winter jacket, a beanie and a Frozen-themed set of pants and shirt.
Kyle Kagarise described the program as "amazing," stating that he cares for three children all while on a fixed income.
"I'm just grateful for this program," Kyle said. "It's just amazing that the community comes together and gives us this opportunity to get your kids signed up. It's just amazing that the community cares that little ones are warm throughout the winter."
He said he currently receives cash assistance and his son's Supplemental Security Income to provide for his family.
Katie Brown, a single parent with four children, also had her kids participate in the program.
"It's expensive. Coats add up. Boots, hats, gloves … By the time you get done with that, that's a couple hundred dollars," Brown said. "And I have four kids that I have to provide for on my own. It's not easy. But with things like this, it takes a big burden off my shoulders."
Jennifer Wogan, an AmeriCorps member who volunteered Saturday, said events like the one hosted by Project Winter Warmth make the community better by assisting local residents in need.
"When you think about this time of year, it's so hard on so many families," Wogan said, commenting on the financial burdens of the holiday season.
"To allow families to get that extra help for just the simple things not only helps them, but it brings the kids joy. The kids can feel safe in what they are going to school in or out in the world in," she added. "I think it's huge that they get to experience this kind of event. And the bigger we can try to make it, the better."
Another volunteer, Kaelab Ruggles, who was dressed in a black winter jacket, said it's "crazy" the things he takes for granted. He added that it's not fair for him to have warm clothes and not others.
Project Winter Warmth was founded in 1992 by Hank Martin, Wilt said. She said Martin was a van driver and would see children without proper winter gear, which motivated him to start the organization.
Martin stepped down five years ago, handing the project over to Lori Quarello.
Project Winter Warmth receives funding with the help of a corporate sponsor and a fundraising event aimed at raising an average of $5,000 to $7,000.
Children are screened by Blair County Head Start to see if they qualify for the project.