Sunrise Rotary Collects Coats for Community

Last year, the Rotary Club of Naperville-Sunrise collected so many winter coats during its annual coat drive that it was able to share the extra winter wear with additional social service organizations.

For those running the coat drive that is a good problem to have. The expectation as this year’s drive kicks off is as many — if not more — jackets, coats, gloves and hats will be collected and distributed.

Sunrise Rotary runs the annual event that has been going on for more years than officials, can remember, said Mike Crossett, the Sunrise Rotary Coat Drive coordinator. The club also receives support from Rotary Club of Naperville-South.

The main beneficiaries of the coat drive are DuPage PADS, Hesed House and Sharing Connections. Coats are also collected for students in Indian Prairie School District 204, Crossett said. 

“The end result is if we can sufficiently supply Hesed House, Sharing Connections and Du Page PADS, and everyone can get a coat we meet or goal,” Crossett said.

Roughly 75 boxes have been placed at locations around the community where people can drop off coats, jackets, hats, gloves, scarves and mittens. All sizes are accepted from infant to adult, with a greater need for sizes XL-3XL. All donated items should be gently worn. 

“The Rotary members’ belief in service above self is truly evident with the support they provide throughout the year to District 204 and our families in need,” Jason Altenbern, District 204 community relations coordinator said in a news release. “Indian Prairie is grateful for the ongoing support it receives from annual outreach programs like the winter clothing drive sponsored by the Rotary Club of Naperville-Sunrise and the Rotary Club of Naperville-South.” 

The coat drive, which has already started will continue through Dec. 2.

Some of the heavier and longer coats are set-aside specifically for DuPage PADS because the Rotary members realize that many of the people the nonprofit serves may not have adequate shelter and need warmer winter wear, he said.

In the past, Crossett said it has not been uncommon to receive a phone call from a family in need and setting up a meeting in grocery story parking lot to distribute coats for the entire family.

The main drop off location this year is at Fair Oaks Ford, which has already received coats, Crossett said. The Downtown Naperville Alliance is also working with Rotary and many Downtown Naperville businesses will have boxes for donations.

MetLife in Aurora and Calamos will hold coats drives for employees, and that brings in a lot of coats for the drive, Crossett said.

“At the end of the day, if everyone who needs a coat gets a coat that is what matters,” he said.

For more information about the coat drive contact Mike Crossett at 630-723-4114 or visit the Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise. www.napervillesunrise.com. 

More than 65 collection boxes have been placed in the community.  The following local businesses and community offices are participating as drop off locations:

• Office of State Representative Darlene Senger, Water Street, Naperville
• Downtown Naperville Alliance; November 1-30, www.downtownnaperville.com
• Roseland Draperies and Interiors
• Joe Haselhorst D.D.S.
• Corner Bakery, Cantera Plaza
• Central Park Athletic Club
• Naperville Clinical Associates
• Naperville Bank & Trust, Fort Hill Drive and South Naper Boulevard locations
• Newman Architecture
• Northwestern Mutual Financial, Aurora
• Wells Fargo Advisors, 55 Shuman Blvd.
• White Eagle Golf Club
• School of Performing Arts, Fifth Avenue Station
• Prairie Business Credit
• Nania Energy, Aurora
• GCG Financial, Oakbrook
• Pratapas Associates
• Mid-America Real Estate, One Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook
• Illiana Financial CU
• Naper Grove Vision Care
• Giordano’s
• Met Life