TOLEDO, Ohio — When it comes to deciding whether to cancel or delay classes for children in bad winter weather, school officials have a lot to consider. They weigh the condition of the roads, the temperatures and the amount of snow forecast, for instance.
But more and more school authorities say they have to consider one other factor: That many of their students do not have the winter coats, hats, gloves and other warm gear they need for the season.
"I can't take the risk that I've got a kid standing at a bus stop getting frostbite because he doesn't have mittens, a hat, or that he's not dressed appropriately," Washington-Local Schools Superintendent Kadee Anstadt said.
To help address the need, one local nonprofit is focused on getting coats to every child who needs them.
"With this winter, the need for warm apparel is critical," said Susan Perry, executive director of Susie's Coats for Kids and Hannah's Socks.
She said the recent sub-zero temperatures had Toledo Public Schools asking for help. Canceling class on bitterly cold days may offer some reprieve from the elements, but it doesn't solve the larger problem, Perry said.
"Even though school is closed, students still need warm coats," she said.
Perry's group is working to distribute 300 coats to students at eight TPS schools. It has already provided more than 3,000 pairs of socks and 300 coats, hats and gloves to TPS, too, according to Perry.
Susie's Coats for Kids Community Liaison Petra Rapton wants to make sure children have coats and other warm clothing they need to get through the winter.
"I know what it's like not to have things when you're a child growing up," Rapton said.
Susie's Coats accepts new winter coats (sizes 4-18/20), socks, hats, and gloves. Contact the organization at 419-304-3296 to schedule a pick-up.
"One of the things that people don’t understand is that children grow out of their coats, and the same children that we’ve provided for one year, need a new coat the next year," Perry told WTOL 11. "People may donate one year and think that we have plenty of coats to sustain the need and we don’t."
Pastor William C. Foster, of Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, which collects coats for children, said he can see the need in the community.
"I see a lot of needs in the community, this being a great need simply having coats for kids with the weather being the way it is right now," Foster said.
To donate to Susie's Coats through a secure link, click here.
Donations via check can be mailed to Susie's Coats for Kids and Hannah's Socks Inc. at PO Box 114, Woodville, OH 43469.
The organization also benefits from the Kroger Community Rewards Program. To do this, Perry said to sign into your Kroger account, search for Susie’s Coats Inc./Susie’s Coats for Kids or enter number UB452. The organization will receive a percentage of all purchases.
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