GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — You can help keep students with Grand Rapids Public Schools warm this winter by donating to a Warmth Drive that’s underway right now.
The Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation kicked off the months-long event on Friday, Dec. 1.
Through March 1, the group will be accepting donations of new and gently used coats, hats, mittens and socks. The donations will then be given to elementary students within the GRPS district.
There are multiple drop-off locations, including Swift Printing in Grand Rapids. The company president, Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon, says it’s their busiest time of the year, making this the best time to accept donations.
“Grand Rapids, as great as it is – it is such an amazing area, but we do have a lot of kids that are in poverty," she said. "Even going through our own coat closet—you haven’t worn a coat in a couple years, if it’s gently used, we’ll take it, and so just being able to take the time to help kids that want to stay warm so they can enjoy playing outside. It’s important that no one should have to be cold this holiday season.”
The winter gear will be distributed to students as donations come in.
Sites for public drop boxes include:
- Swift Printing, 404 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
- Wed Company Wedding Wear, 744 Leonard St NW, Suite B, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
- Gazelle Sports – 3 locations in Grand Rapids, Grandville, 28th Street, and downtown GR
- Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., World of Winter, 29 Pearl NW, Suite 1, Grand Rapids 49503
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.