28-01-2025
EMTA hosts second annual Winter Goods Drive to benefit families new to Erie area
The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) is making an effort to help new families in Erie take on the winter weather.
Monica Westfall of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) said many of these new families are unfamiliar with winter weather and thanked the community for supporting these families.
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Residents and visitors to the region are familiar with the brutal, bone-chilling temperatures that Erie winters can bring and how to properly dress for the weather.
But that may not be the case for new families who are not used to cold climates.
'We'll be collecting any winter items that folks are willing to part with this year to help benefit those who might be calling erie home for the first time and we've definitely experienced a winter that we haven't seen in a long time,' said Sarah Morrison, director of marketing and public relations for the EMTA.
This effort is EMTA's second annual Winter Goods Drive that benefits the USCRI.
'Anything that you might find that helps make winter easier on you is something that we would collect for these folks. So, snow shovels, insulation kits, warm sweaters, warm jackets, socks,' said Morrison. 'We're always thinking about our ridership and we definitely recognize that a large portion of our ridership are coming from some of these resettlement agencies. So, we're working with them to try to do a little more than just provide those rides because we have the means to do it, so we might as well give back.'
A representative of the USCRI said the Winter Goods Drive not only helps keep these families and individuals warm but also shows how supportive the community can be.
'It means a lot to us. It's very heartwarming, and just so they know that Erie is a welcoming city for refugees,' said Westfall.
Westfall said many families coming to Erie have never experienced climates like this before and the donated items will be of great benefit to them.
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'A lot of our clients have to get the bus for work, so the boots and the jackets and hats and gloves will be a wonderful benefit for us,' said Westfall. 'A lot of the kids walk to school in the city, so it's wonderful to know that they'll have warm winter wear to get to class.'
Donations can be made at the EMTA Administration Office located at 127 East 14th Street Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Anyone who donates can be entered to win a pair of Erie SeaWolves tickets to any home game in April.
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