With colder temperatures coming soon, San Juan Basin Public Health will host a winter clothing drive at its offices and some of its COVID-19 vaccine clinics in La Plata and Archuleta counties throughout October.
“You can do two great things for the community by donating winter supplies for those in need and getting your family and eligible kids vaccinated for COVID-19 at an upcoming clinic,” said Liane Jollon, executive director of SJBPH, in a news release.
SJBPH asks that donated clothing be cleaned and in good condition.
Donations received by the public health organization will be distributed to a number of local organizations in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio.
According to SJBPH, the list of partnering organizations is growing, but clothing donations will be distributed to Manna soup kitchen and Neighbors in Need Alliance.
While this isn’t something SJBPH does annually, the department has held donation drives in the past. For example during back-to-school season, it had a school supplies drive. The success of the school drive prompted the winter clothing drive.
“We did that and it went well,” said SJBPH spokesman Chandler Griffin. “We we’re able to contribute those school supplies, and I think that gave us the idea to allow the community to have another opportunity.”
Some sought after donation items include:
- Coats.
- Blankets.
- Winter hats.
- Gloves.
- Scarves.
- Waterproof/resistant jackets.
- Unused warm socks.
- Boots.
- Cold weather gear.
Donation boxes will be available to anyone who would like to donate through Nov. 1 at these locations:
- Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, 811 San Juan St., Pagosa Springs. 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., Durango. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
- Durango Farmers Market, 259 W. Ninth St., Durango. 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
- Pagosa Springs, 502 South Eighth St. 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays.
- Durango, 281 Sawyer Drive. Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 vaccines are readily available to all residents ages 12 and older. Only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for children ages 12 to 17.
SJBPH said La Plata and Archuleta counties are considered to be at high risk for COVID-19 transmission, based on metrics set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“As the weather grows cooler and we move indoors, it is imperative to do everything we can to limit the spread of COVID-19,” Jollon said. “While transmission remains high with the delta variant circulating, it’s important to follow precautions. Wearing a mask inside of businesses and public indoor settings, regardless of your vaccination status, will help keep our community members healthy through the colder months. Families who are still unvaccinated should do so right away in preparation for winter.”
njohnson@durangoherald.com
