Adopt a Child seeks donations to help keep children warm

Anthony Mann and Barb Sills with the bags of winter clothing distributed on the weekend to help warm 163 Prince Edward County children this winter.

There are 163 children in Prince Edward County who will be warm while out of doors this winter, thanks to donations to Adopt-a-Child – a program that provides new winter clothing for children aged 12 and under.

But authorities are concerned cash donations are necessary to get a head-start on next year’s needs. Adopt a Child is actually a year-round effort to find and purchase clothing at the best prices.

“Sometimes this means we need to be shopping at season end and talking to suppliers when they are ordering their winter wear,” said Barb Sills, a long-time volunteer with the program. “This way we get the best use of the donations we receive.”

This year’s need was greater across the region said Anthony Mann, Prince Edward OPP community services officer, noting that more than 1,300 children were assisted in the region including Belleville, Stirling and Deseronto.

The program is geared toward low-income, working families, in need of assistance .

“It is a charitable organization that relies on the generous donations from the public,” says Mann. “We are very grateful for all the donations.”

The local police agencies (Central Hastings OPP, Napanee OPP, Prince Edward OPP, Stirling-Rawdon Police and the Belleville Police Services) join forces with Quinte Broadcasting and a core group of volunteers to ensure area children are warm this winter.

The program started in 1987 and assisted 113 children. Last year, the program helped about 1,200 children bundle up.

To make a donation, visit the Prince Edward OPP station on County Road 1, or the Belleville Police Services at 93 Dundas St., East; or visit Quinte Broadcasting stations (CJBQ 800, Mix 97.1 and Rock 107.1). Credit card donations can be made by calling 613 969 5555.