WESTFIELD – Julie Leavitt is trying to warm up Westfield.
Leavitt organized the Warm Their Winter collection of clothing throughout the city to benefit people living at the Samaritan Inn.
“They are also in need of twin size blankets and toiletries such as toothpaste and mouthwash – things we take for granted,” said Leavitt.
New T-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants in sizes M-XXL are being collected as well as cold weather gear, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks.
Leavitt said she started noticing the need when she stopped at Cumberland Farms for her daily coffee.
“There were a lot of people coming in buying coffee with change from the Samaritan Inn,” she said. “I asked to put coffee on account for them.”
Leavitt saw some gloves for sale and asked to put a few pairs on account for the Samaritan Inn also, and a few fellow customers followed suit.
“I knew I couldn’t help them by myself and turned to the We Love Westfield Community Forum on Facebook,” said Leavitt.
Within 24 hours, the collection became a reality, with local businesses stepping up to be drop-off sites.
“I was floored,” she said of the response.
Leavitt is so excited, she is already planning to help in other ways and hopes to do another winter drive next year.
“I’d love to see this first time be very beneficial and do it again,” she said.
Leavitt said she wants to help those living in shelter, especially during the cold months.
“We take it for granted when we come home from work, throw our coat on the couch and rummage through the fridge for something to eat,” she said. “They don’t have that.”
The Samaritan Inn offers overnight temporary shelter to 32 men and five women.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the Warm Their Winter drive should leave a message for Leavitt at 413-562-8118. Leavitt is also hoping to collect monetary donations through area businesses.
Donations can be dropped off Jan. 9-23 at Cumberland Farms on Main Street, For K9s and Felines on Southwick Road, the Westfield Fire Department on Broad Street, the Westfield Athenaeum on Elm Street, Alessio Pizza on Southampton Road, and Designer’s Edge on College Highway in Southwick.
