Cape Cod Council of Churches is collecting winter hats, gloves, boots, and other items for newly arrived migrants bracing for a Massachusetts winter through October.
For the third time, the Hyannis nonprofit is gathering donations for families housed at Joint Base Cape Cod — where 62 families are presently staying — and other migrants staying locally, including in Yarmouth, said Executive Director Edye Nesmith.
“When news of the settling of recent immigrant families came down, what we understood and received was that it happened very quickly,” said Nesmith. “Basic essential supplies were in short supply or not there.”
Three days after migrant families first arrived, the group brought four vans loaded with diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, underwear, and other items, said Nesmith.
Later, at the end of the summer, the group switched into a second phase, inviting all faith communities to participate in donating requested items that included toys, clothes, shoes, hair products, and more.
About 23,000 people are enrolled in the Emergency Housing Assistance shelter system, according to Gov. Maura Healey. From Nov. 1, the state will no longer expand the number of shelter units.
The expected capacity limit is set at 7,500 families and that capacity could be reached by the end of the month. The capacity limit does not mean the end of the Emergency Housing Assistance shelter program.
What to know
All items must be clean and in good repair and should be new or gently used. Donations left in sturdy boxes are handled more easily than those packed in plastic bags.
Items can be in all sizes for men, women and children. Winter hats, gloves, boots, coats, sweaters, snowsuits for babies, car seat covers for infants, hand warmers, and umbrellas are all needed.
Items can be dropped off at three locations: Canaan Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 204 Route 28 in West Yarmouth, will accept donations Friday evenings between 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays between 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Donations can be dropped off at West Yarmouth Congregational Church, located at 383 Route 28, on Tuesdays between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
And Waquoit Congregational Church, located at 15 Parsons Lane in East Falmouth, will accept donations from Tuesdays through Fridays between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
‘Community shining’
Nesmith said she was not sure what the Cape Cod Council of Churches would collect next for the families. Once this latest round is wrapped up, they will reassess to pinpoint the next need.
She said eleven different churches have participated in the drive to collect winter items. Once completed, volunteers will bring the donations to the various shelters, coordinating with the site managers.
“This is what Cape Cod does really well: step forward … this is yet another example of our community shining,” said Nesmith.
More information is available on the Cape Cod Council of Churches website.
Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.
The Cape Cod Times is providing this coverage for free as a public service. Please take a moment to support local journalism by subscribing.