Triangle organizations collect coat donations as temperatures dip
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RALEIGH (WTVD) -- As the temperatures continue to dip, organizations across the Triangle are helping those in need who don't have shelter or warm clothing.
Note in the Pocket started by providing coats to children in the Wake County Public School System and now works year-round to provide clothing to kids and their families.
"Our mission is to allow children to arrive to school dressed for academic success and we don't think that it's OK that children are limited in their educational, social development because they don't have enough appropriate school clothing," said Executive Director Dallas Bonavita.
Last year, the organization donated clothing packages to more than 2,500 students in need. Now, the group is asking for donations of new or gently used coats.
"We've had social workers that'll show up in tears because they've had eight or nine children get off the school bus in the winter, in freezing rain, in flip flops and no coat," Bonavita said. "It's miserable, especially when it's cold and windy and if there's any rain involved. The children get to school and they're wet and they're cold all day. You just can't warm up from that type of chill."
The organization got the name "Note in the Pocket" because each coat a child received used to come with a note in the pocket. Now, each clothing package has a card.
"The cards say 'you are loved,'" Bonavita said.
The Rescue Mission is accepting coats for the homeless all winter.
Shelter directors say the cold temperatures can be deadly. The Salvation Army and Healing Transitions in Raleigh have put up white flags, meaning they'll make room for anyone who needs a warm place to stay with extra mats and cots.
READ MORE: As temps drop, shelters wave white flag for homeless
The Durham Rescue Mission is looking for the homeless in known camps and asking them to come inside for shelter. Volunteers are also handing out warm drinks.
The following organizations are accepting donations:
Note in the Pocket
Raleigh Rescue Mission
Raleigh Rescue Mission Store and Donation Center
4700 Capital Boulevard
Raleigh, NC
