CLEARLAKE — The Warm for the Winter program, spearheaded by Clearlake City Councilmember Joyce Overton, served nearly 100 people on Saturday during its first giveaway event. Those in need were offered warm clothing, blankets and coats free of charge.
“This is a godsend,” one recipient said as she hauled a bag to her car.
Overton said the morning rush illustrated the need in the community. “The crowd we had early this morning really showed us how important this is to people in our community who are struggling and need a bit of help,” she said. “Right now we hope to have giveaways every Saturday. But, if we had the volunteers, we would definitely look into making this available throughout the week.”
Saturday”s giveaway was held out of the former senior center building across from Nott”s Liquor on Lakeshore Drive. Overton said donations to the program were tremendous. “This room was over-packed with clothing when we started this morning,” she said. “We were overwhelmed by the outpour of support from our community and I mean all the communities around the lake. They came together to make this happen.”
Overton said the Warm for the Winter program is seeking locations around the lake to bring the giveaway event to other communities. Donations will continue to be collected through January at the following drop-off locations: Tatonka Trading and Foods, Etc. in Clearlake; Watershed Books and Bruno”s Foods in Lakeport; Chic le Chef in Hidden Valley Lake; and 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, excluding Thursdays at the food bank located at 92 Soda Bay Road in Finley.
While warm clothing, socks, gloves, hats and blankets are items typically sought, volunteer Brandy Overton said she identified a need for kids” clothing on Saturday. “A lot of people came in looking for kids” clothes but we didn”t have enough,” she said. “We need kids” clothes in all sizes, from new born on up.”
Small tents and sleeping bags are also in high demand.
“We also accept food items,” Joyce Overton said. “While canned goods are appreciated, we need to get these people something they can eat without the use of a stove or can opener. Things like peanut butter are ideal because they can carry it around with them and they don”t have to worry about cooking it.”
Overton said her wish for program is finding a food coach that will allow the Warm for the Winter program to extend its services to those struggling on the street. “It would be great if we could bring warm food to those people out there in our community who have nothing,” she said. “Sometimes a warm meal can make all the difference in the world.”
Overton said in conducting the giveaway on Saturday she found many people who are without a place to go on Christmas Day. She is putting together a last minute effort to host a Christmas dinner this Friday. Location and time has yet to be determined.
Anyone desiring to assist in any aspect of the Warm for the Winter program should contact Joyce Overton at 350-2898.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
