CLAREMONT, N.H. – Claremont Savings Bank and Granite United Way partnered for their second annual winter coat giveaway on Thursday, Oct. 22, in Claremont, offering free coats and other winter outerwear to anyone who needed them. The coat giveaway is one of several ways Granite United Way supports communities throughout the region.
The event ran until 2 p.m., and with sunny skies and people stopping by throughout the morning, Katie Bernsden, Granite United Way’s corporate relations manager, said this year’s giveaway was off to a great start. “Last year we had 300 coats to give away. It was rainy and cold that day. This year it’s sunny and bright outside, and we started at 7:30 this morning, and it’s been a big success,” Bernsden reported.
This year, 500 coats were donated for the event. Winter coats in child and adult sizes, along with hats, gloves, and scarves were collected over the past few months. Bernsden said the response from people coming to pick up coats had been especially rewarding.
“Little kids came and they try them on immediately. It’s so fun,” she said. “A woman earlier found something for her teenage son and she was teary-eyed.”
To prepare for the giveaway, Bernsden reached out to local nonprofit organizations and businesses to help collect donations. Drop-off boxes were placed at locations including Kendall at Hanover, local bank branches, and Valley Regional Hospital. Donations also came through Facebook and word of mouth. “I had reached out to all the nonprofits to let people know that we were accepting new and gently used items,” Bernsden said.
In June, the organization provided summer camp starter kits for children in Claremont and Newport. The bags included items such as towels, water bottles, bug spray, sunscreen, lunch boxes, and backpacks for elementary-age children. Approximately 2,000 bags were distributed through the recreation departments in the two communities.
Granite United Way also sponsors its annual Day of Caring, bringing volunteers together to help nonprofit organizations. On May 14, approximately 100 volunteers took part in projects across Sullivan and Grafton counties.
Granite United Way’s main office is in Manchester, N.H., and the organization serves communities throughout New Hampshire, with some regional exceptions.
Granite United Way will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. For information about volunteering, fundraising, or supporting its programs, visit www.graniteuw.org.