To the Editor:

October is the last month for donations to the 2015 Coats for Kids of Jackson County Coat and Warm Clothing Drive. In addition to donating, you can help by participating in two fundraising events this week to benefit the nonprofit, now in its seventh year of helping Jackson County children stay warm.

The first event will be from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Two Chicks Boutique, 1336 East Main Street, Sylva. As part of Two Chicks Boutique’s grand opening, 10 percent of the proceeds of sales that day, as well as a silent auction inside the store, will go to help Coats for Kids. 

The second event is from 8 a.m. until noon this Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Jackson County Farmer’s Market in Sylva, when folks may bring new and gently used children’s warm clothing items to donate.

If you have new or gently used children’s items to donate such as coats, warm clothing, hats, gloves, shoes, and scarves, you can also drop off items through Oct. 31 at Sylva Wal-Mart (inside store, on household side), Cullowhee United Methodist Church, or Sylva Habitat for Humanity Re-Sale Store. Also needed are donations of unopened packages of diapers, wipes and new socks and underwear. Monetary donations may be sent to the nonprofit at Coats for Kids of Jackson County, P.O. Box 164, Cullowhee, N.C., 28723. All donations help to ensure local children stay warm this winter. 

Distribution Day will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Sylva First United Methodist Church. Items will be available free of charge for any parent/guardian who needs warm winter items for their children. Children must be present to receive items and distribution is a first come-first serve event. While supplies last, families will also receive a gift card for food. 

For more information about Coats for Kids of Jackson County, contact Director Christy Rowe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Coats for Kids office at 828.293.3678.

Rose Garret

Sylva