Sizes needed range all the way from adult - for those fast-growers - to kindergarten size for the smallest elementary school students. “Some kids are big for their age and then, of course, we have the little ones. . .we can use outerwear in all sizes and hope we’ll be able to have a nice selection to ensure that each child that needs outerwear will be outfitted.”One way SISP has been raising money for the “Coats for Kids” project is by selling an unusual - and beautiful - item: Betta fish in a large vase with a lily, which have been available at First Western Bank on the corner of Main and 7th streets.“First Western Bank has been wonderful,” in letting SISP sell the vases, said Lax, who created the unique twist on the fish bowl. “There are a few left,” that when sold will benefit the “Coats for Kids” effort.Fifteen coats have been donated so far, added Lax, who is becoming familiar in area thrift stores while hunting, good quality used outerwear.If you have a coat, sweater or vest you’d like to donate to ensure there are plenty of “Coats for Kids” that really need them, call Lax at 525-7396 and she’ll be happy to pick up any donation. Or, you can drop off new or good quality used outerwear at the offices of the Santa Paula Times, 944 E. Main St.
|
OMI donates coats: Perry Wilmeth (left) and Jim Montijo (right) drop off jackets that were collected by the employees of OMI, operates of the City of Santa Paula wasteater plant. |
‘Coats for Kids’: SISP program seeks outerwear for needy SP children
November 15, 2000
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesDays and nights are starting to take on winter’s chill, and Soroptimist International of Santa Paula is worried about children in need, those who, in extreme cases, might not attend school if they don’t have a warm jacket or even a sweater: if proper outerwear is the problem, “We want to be the solution,” said SISP President Jane Lax.“Coats for Kids” is Lax’s President’s Project for year, one that “hopefully, will become an everlasting project.”Soroptimist International of Santa Paula is seeking used coats, sweaters and vests in good condition, or, “If people would like to by a coat or sweater they’re more than welcome to,” and such a donation would be greatly appreciated, noted Lax. Cash donations to the “Coats for Kids” project arealso welcome and a break for the generous contributor that doesn’t have to shop.“Coats for Kids” is involving the Santa Paula Elementary School District’s Outreach Counselors who will help SISP direct the donated coats, sweaters and vests to the children who need them. And there are many, said Lax.“According to the elementary school district Outreach Counselors, there are many children in Santa Paula that don’t have warm clothing at all,” which can prevent them from attending school, Lax noted. “The success of ‘Coats for Kids’ could build attendance by those kids having something warm to wear on a chilly day.”
