Bergen School District Collecting Winter Clothes For The Needy

Ramsey School District is a collection point for gloves, hats, boots, and coats to help people in need as the worst of winter approaches. Superintendent Dr. Matthew J. Murphy is coordinating a drive to provide basic warm-weather gear to specific individuals who are not prepared for cold weather.

“Gloves, hats, boots, and coats are all needed for individuals served through West Bergen Mental Healthcare,” said Murphy, who is vice president of the organization's Board of Trustees. “We’ve collected their sizes, and now we need to collect outerwear to get them safely and comfortably through the winter.”

The drive seeks donations of new, or nearly new, hats of any size; gloves in sizes medium, large and extra large; boots in women’s sizes 6, 7.5, 8, 8.5 wide, 9, and 11 or 11.5, and in men’s sizes 8.5, 9.5 and 13; as well as coats in women’s sizes Large, 2X and 3X and in men’s sizes Large, XXL with hood and pockets, and 2X.

For people who want to contribute with money rather than goods, Murphy will do the shopping. Cash and checks to Ramsey Stigma Free will be used to buy necessary outerwear that isn’t received by donation.

All donations can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Ramsey School District’s Board of Education offices: 266 E. Main Street, next to the high school.

“West Bergen has identified specific individuals who are not prepared for cold weather, and this drive is their best chance of staying warm this winter,” Murphy said. “During this season of gratitude and giving, I hope residents will add ‘person in need’ to their shopping lists, and make a difference in someone’s life.”