Clothing Drive
Continuing their efforts to help the underprivileged during one of the neediest times of the year, four Central Delaware legislators began delivering clothing to area homeless shelters
and senior centers on December 16 of last year.
Democratic Reps. E. Bradford “Brad” Bennett, William J. Carson Jr., S. Quinton “Quinn” Johnson IV and Darryl M. Scott held their second cold-weather clothing drive that fall to collect jackets, sweaters and gloves for those who most need them to stay warm during the winter. The clothing drive, which began in early November, resulted in several bags of clothing being donated by residents throughout southern New Castle County and Kent County.
The representatives dropped off clothing at the Shepherd Place and the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, both in Dover, and Mamie Warren Senior Center near Clayton. The Shepherd Place provides short-term emergency shelter to about 500 clients a year, half of which are children. The families who use the shelter often are victims of various problems – domestic violence, substance abuse and personal tragedy such as a fire. The Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing is a nonprofit organization comprised of local individuals, more than 20 faith communities and organizations dedicated to providing shelter and services to homeless men.
“These are difficult times for all families across the state, so it is really heart-warming to see how so many were able to reach into their closets and help others during this holiday season,” said Rep. Scott, D-Dover. “This is just a small way we can help make a difference in people’s lives.”
During the six-week clothing drive, legislators partnered with Capitol Cleaners, Dover Newsstand and Tender Loving Kare daycare to collect hundreds of items, including sweaters, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jackets, gloves, scarves and earmuffs.
“One of the most important things a state representative can do is help people,” said Rep. Bennett, D-Dover South. “That’s why I ran for office in the first place. Your first goal as an elected official is to do whatever you can to improve the quality of life for your constituents.”
Shepherd Place executive director Lakena Hammond said that many of the families who come to the shelter are in dire need of warm clothing, and the donation legislators brought will help meet that need.
“We have residents coming in the shelter daily that leave their home situation and they do not have a coat for themselves or their children,” Ms. Hammond said. “Sometimes the coats they do have are filthy or too small. By having these coats, we are able to keep them warm and dry for the winter.”
The Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing program manager said that the clothing is extremely important for men at the homeless shelter because many do not have clothes suitable for a job interview or even going out in public. Providing the men with clean clothes allows them to “concentrate on looking for jobs and homes instead of worrying about their appearance.”
Mamie Warren Senior Center director Debra Brown said that drivers with the center’s Meals on Wheels program would check with their clients to see if they needed coats and would distribute them directly to those most in need.
“Residents really stepped up and came through in a time of need,” said Rep. Carson, D-Smyrna. “This clothing drive was all about citizens caring about citizens, and they did not disappoint. I’m glad to see that the holiday spirit is alive and well in Delaware.”