PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It’s something that many of us take for granted: grabbing a coat from the closet when it’s cold, or buying a new one when the old coat doesn’t fit. But for the almost 23% of Philadelphians living below the poverty line, it’s not that simple.
“The need is overwhelming. Unfortunately, as we know, inflation’s been hitting everybody’s pockets very hard in the past 18 months,” said Michal Smith, executive director of the nonprofit Cradles to Crayons.
New data shows Philadelphia’s homeless population increased by nearly 38% last year. Families are also still recovering from the back-to-school season, with 31% of adults carrying debt from purchasing school supplies.
Cradles to Crayons has set a lofty new goal this year of collecting 20,000 coats and 15,000 warm outfit packs to distribute to organizations for kids across the city.
“Because we don’t just provide coats,” Smith said. “We provide warm clothing to kids. So it’s sweatshirts, hoodies, long pants, long-sleeve shirts … hats and gloves and other accessories.”
New or like-new winter coats and clothing can be dropped off at 18 participating locations across the city, which can be found at cradlestocrayons.org/philadelphia.
“If your family is struggling to cover the basic costs of living, then buying a coat is expensive, and that’s where Cradles to Crayons can help,” Smith added.