Support for the clothing drive for children in Kosovo has been described as “almost unbelievable” with literally hundreds of pounds of clothing donated by caring persons from throughout the area.
Sponsored jointly by the Family Support Group of the National Guard unit based in Altoona and the Kiwanis Club of Eldorado, the clothing drive came about when members of the National Guard on a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo wrote home asking for clothing for the children of that country.
The support group started the collection and members of the Kiwanis Club of Eldorado joined the project a few weeks after it started. The Kiwanis clubhouse in Altoona has served as a collection spot for the past several weeks. Sunday, October 12 was the last day of the drive.
“The people of Tyrone area were extremely generous,” said Sue O’Brien of Tyrone, who serves as chairperson of the project for the Kiwanis Club of Eldorado. Local drop-off spots were at the First English Lutheran Church and Christ United Methodist Church.
“In addition to church members, many others brought clothing to the churches. Tyrone area residents once again showed how very caring and generous they are when they learn of the needs of others,” O’Brien said.
Michelle Swartz of Duncansville, president of the National Guard support group, is spearheading the project for the National Guard families. She expressed appreciation to members of the Kiwanis Club for helping with the drive and to residents of the area “for the unbelievable support shown for the project.”
During a recent “Stop and Drop” held at the Eldorado Kiwanis clubhouse, people from throughout the area brought in bags and bags of clothing and several donated money to help meet the shipping costs to get the clothing to Kosovo.
Swartz explained that the local support group is exploring several options regarding getting the clothing to Kosovo.
“We will be packing and shipping it as soon as possible,” she said.
The weather in Kosovo is similar to that of Pennsylvania, and as temperatures fall, the need for warm clothing becomes more urgent.
