A local charity is joining forces with an area music center to help ensure that Montgomery County’s neediest residents are warm this winter. Interfatih Works is a Montgomery County-based social service organization with a mission of providing service to the economically vulnerable. Together with Strathmore, a cultural and artistic venue, it’s hosting an annual “Share the Warmth” coat drive.
Gently used or new coats in all sizes – adults, children and infants – are welcomed, as well as additional cold- weather gear, such as hats and mittens. Strathmore will collect the items at all Music Center concerts through Dec. 23.
Strathmore patrons donating coats will receive a $10 voucher per donated coat, which can be applied to future Strathmore-presented performances and events in the 2016-2017 season. Donations will be accepted one hour prior to Music Center concerts, and also during regular business hours in the lobby of the Music Center at Strathmore.
Groups, organizations and individual members of the community can also hold mini-coat drives and deliver the donations to the Interfaith Clothing Center in Rockville.
Last year, the drive yielded more than 400 coats to help the families who shop for free at the Interfaith Clothing Center. The center serves more than 12,000 income-qualified residents, including 5,600 children, annually.