The 22nd annual Share the Warmth campaign has kicked off, with over a dozen collection sites around Ithaca and Tompkins County. Donations of new or gently used winter clothing will be gratefully collected, sorted, and distributed across the area by volunteers from a number of partner organizations: the Ithaca, Trumansburg, and Dryden Rotary Clubs; Cornell University; Ithaca College; Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga; and Finger Lakes ReUse.

The familiar 'red box' collection bins can be found at locations around Tompkins County. Each location will be accessible for a five-week collection period, scheduled to conclude on December 15. Clothes will be picked up and sorted by volunteers for distribution through the Samaritan Center of Catholic Charities. The donated clothing is distributed by Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga free of charge to individuals who need such items for the winter months.

All winter clothing in good repair is accepted. There is special need for jackets, boots, and coats, especially children’s, as well as hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens for all. Each article of clothing donated should be new or gently used, and clean for future recipients.

Share the Warmth was initiated by the Ithaca Rotary Club in 1992. Last year, the program distributed more than 4,500 items to nearly 3,000 individuals throughout Tompkins County. Nearly 30% of Ithaca children are eligible to receive free or reduced school lunch. Almost 20% of Tompkins County residents live below the poverty level, compared to 14% state-wide.

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