Though summer is still here, it is never too early to start thinking about helping the less fortunate stay warm when the winter chill hits Long Island.
The Old Bethpage-based nonprofit organization Kids Helping Kids By Kids Way, Inc. is already launching its 2015 Making a Warmth of Difference winter apparel and coat drive. In this 12th annual endeavor, the organization is collecting new coats and related apparel for distribution among those who are in desperate need every winter season.
Robert Eslick, executive director of Kids Helping Kids, said many Long Island families are constantly facing tough economic times and this apparel will come in handy during the cold winter months. He said the program focuses on obtaining only new, branded winter apparel, rather than used clothes, to give to children and families in need.
“A lot of kids today, especially those that live in economically challenged areas, don’t often get new branded apparel and this is their opportunity to receive something special,” said Eslick. “We partner with local organizations to get these coats into the hands of families that need warmth. It’s something most of us take for granted.”
The organization is seeking new and branded coats, fleeces, sweaters, hats, gloves, pajamas or other winter related apparel for infants and toddlers, boys and girls and young men and juniors.
Some of the agencies that have benefited from these winter apparel donations include the Education & Assistance Corporation, The Salvation Army, The Mary Brennan INN, and Nassau County Social Services, among others. Last year, the organization delivered close to $400,000 in winter apparel and since the inception of the program, more than $2 million in donated apparel has been distributed to kids and families throughout Long Island and the surrounding areas.
Kids Helping Kids encourages local youngsters to get involved and volunteer to help pack boxes, load trucks and distribute the coats. Eslick said his organization’s volunteers have spent thousands of hours via a variety of programs with a vision, dedication and drive that addresses various community and individual needs.
Eslick said the young people that volunteer their time gain not only a newfound appreciation for what they have, but they also expand their charitable ways into other areas of their lives. He recalled a moment at the organization’s end of the year gala in 2014, when a young volunteer spoke of his experience with Kids Helping Kids.
“What he said came from the heart. He was in tears and it brought all of us to tears,” he said. “It’s a domino effect. They volute with us, then they go and they want to help other people in other ways. It makes a profound difference in molding what was once just a student into a whole, caring person.”
And the giving doesn’t end with the distribution of coats to the various agencies. Eslick said that when the collection drive ends, he takes the leftover coats and clothing to various train stations and passes the apparel out to any homeless individuals he comes across.
“Seeing the kids help each other, it drives and motivates me to keep doing what I’m doing,” said Eslick. “It’s a lot of work for three or four months, but the benefits and the effect it has long term keeps me going.”
For more information about how to get involved with Kids Helping Kids, email Eslick at happykidsclub@aol.com or call 516-249-9449.
All apparel donations should be sent to Kids Helping Kids by Kids Way, Inc., 19 Willow Rd., Old Bethpage, NY 11804-1133.
