With predictions of a long, cold winter, donations for the eighth annual Cover with Kindness program are even more critical right now.
Starting this week through Dec. 8 Penticton notary and director for the Soupateria society Greg Litwin is accepting blankets, winter coats and other cold-weather items at his office at 699 Main Street.
The donations will then be available to anyone in need on Dec. 11 and 12 at the Parish Hall at St. Saviour’s Church which is adjacent to the Soupateria from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
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“We’re doing this to help those in need and not just homeless but a lot of people who don’t have a lot, we’re giving them a hand up,” said Litwin, who estimated 300 or more people were helped through last year’s program. “Hopefully you want to reduce the numbers but clearly it’s not being reduced it’s increasing.
“People are very very grateful and it’s very moving to see the smiles on their faces.”
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Items left over go the Free Store at St. Saviour’s to give out throughout the winter as well as the South Okanagan Women in Need Society and other help organizations in the community.
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It’s also estimated about 150 will be fed Christmas Day at the Soupateria connected to the church.
Donations can be dropped off at 699 Main St. between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.).
For items to be picked up call 250-770-8888. Cleaning services can be provided if necessary.