Many families walked away with bags of new or gently used clothes from the annual coat giveaway organized by Wallkill East Rotary in Middletown on Nov. 9.
Juanita Velazquez, a single mother of three children attending a local middle school, shared with The Epoch Times how the giveaway lightens her financial load as she works towards stability.
“Everyone experiences ups and downs,” said Velazquez, who moved to the U.S. from Mexico four years ago with the help of the Section 8 federal rental housing program and settled in Middletown.
“This coat drive is a big help because I can buy one from the store for each of my kids and get a free one here. This way, when one is being washed, they have a backup,” she explained.
“I hope to secure a job soon and get back on my feet,” she added.
Peggy Lucido, a dedicated member of Wallkill East Rotary, played a key role in organizing the coat drive and giveaway. She mentioned that the club made a special effort to collect children’s coats through donation boxes at seven schools in the Pine Bush district.
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Additional drop-off locations for donations included the YMCA, churches, and local businesses such as Orange Bank & Trust Company and Walden Savings Bank.
During October, residents generously donated around 500 winter coats, jackets, and sweatshirts to support the cause.
Lucido emphasized the significant need for such initiatives, expressing the club’s joy in witnessing the gratitude and appreciation from those benefitting from the giveaway.
Sherri Tironi, the president of Wallkill East Rotary, played a crucial role in securing the giveaway location at the YMCA youth center. She highlighted the accessibility of the central location for many in need in Middletown.
Wallkill East Rotary member Peggy Lucido (L), president Sherri Tironi (2nd L), community service chair Andrew Allen (4th L), auxiliary member Pam Vogt (2nd R), and Pine Bush High School interact with club students at a coat giveaway in Middletown, N.Y., on Nov. 9, 2024. Cara Ding/The Epoch Times
Andrew Allen, the community service chair of Wallkill East Rotary, emphasized the essential need for winter coats, especially as the weather gets colder.
“Given the current economic challenges, many people struggle to afford everything they need. By providing winter coats, we are able to alleviate some of their financial burden,” Allen stated.
Attendees at the coat giveaway mainly hailed from minority communities in Middletown, as per interviews conducted with them.
Souleye Ndiaye, a Middletown resident originally from Senegal, Africa, attended the event with his children after learning about it at the nearby YMCA building.
“Children outgrow their clothes quickly, and this giveaway is incredibly helpful because buying new coats every year can be costly,” Ndiaye shared.
Isabel Sanabria, who moved to Middletown from Peru a decade ago, has been attending the giveaway with her family for three years.
“With a large family to care for, including my mom, sister, husband, and nephew, this event is a blessing for us,” Sanabria expressed.
Moreover, over 10 students from the Pine Bush High School Interact Club, a part of Wallkill East Rotary, volunteered at the winter coat giveaway.
“I find joy in helping others and seeing the smiles on people’s faces,” shared Justin Gamella, the Interact Club president and a high school senior.
Sophia Huang, an 11th-grade student and secretary of the Interact Club, expressed her motivation to contribute to the community and be a part of positive change.
Upcoming events organized by Wallkill East Rotary include the inaugural Tom Nosworthy veterans’ pasta dinner on Nov. 19 and the annual 5K Turkey Trot run (or walk) on Nov. 28.
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