BY THE CCC TEAM
For most of us, looking for a new coat is about style and comfort. But, have you ever thought about the friends and neighbors we have in our community who don’t have access to a coat to keep them warm, let alone one that makes them feel good? The Community Coat Closet is working to make sure everyone in Forsyth County has what they need to stay warm.
Founded in 2019, the CCC began as a project to fill a community need by providing coats for children at North Hills Elementary. As a partnership between SPARK and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Team, it has grown exponentially. In the last four years, distributions have increased immensely and, this past winter season, they distributed more than 1,000 coats to community members of all ages!
The CCC delivers to all schools in the WSFCS district, works with all local shelters and relies on partnerships within the community to help identify needs so they can be served. Founder Julie Fritz said, “We continue to make connections so that we can figure out how to serve everyone in our community. It’s vital for us to get our mission out to as many people as possible so that all our neighbors know that this resource is available.”
It takes a lot of volunteers to fill all the needs as they come in. If you feel compelled, there are lots of ways you can help. “We are dealing with a ton of moving parts to keep the CCC running, and we are always in need of volunteers and donors,” said Fritz. Interested volunteers can be used to organize the closet, make deliveries and work distribution events. You can also make a donation by visiting the website or dropping off new or gently used hats, gloves and scarves at any of their drop-off locations.
Fritz went on to say, “We are a small piece of a big puzzle working to serve all members of our community. But, that is what makes this community special. When we work together, serving schools, shelters and our most vulnerable neighbors, we can create a place where everyone feels loved and served. I believe that is the kind of place we all want to live in.”
Community Coat Closet is located in The Dwelling at 502 N. Broad Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. There are three drop-off locations for new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and scarves. Burkhead United Methodist Church (roundabout entrance) 5250 Silas Creek Parkway Winston-Salem, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (bin inside of the lobby) 301 N. Church Street Winston-Salem, Augsburg Community Center (Pilot View Street entrance) 502 N. Broad Street Winston-Salem.
For more information, you can visit the website at spark-community.org/the-community-coat-closet. There you will find more information about how the CCC is keeping Winston-Salem warm and how you can help!
