The Owen Sound and District Junior Optimist Club is taking their winter clothing drive to a new level this year!

Last winter they collected over 500 warm clothing items from generous community donors, and distributed them to local adults in need with the help of Safe ‘N Sound and community mental health agencies.

This year, Mark’s (formerly Mark’s Work Wearhouse) in Owen Sound played a big role in starting up the clothing drive! They made a very generous donation of several large boxes of new and warm coats, pants, socks and underwear, which were then given to Safe ‘N Sound and M’Wikwedong. Mark’s also has a collection bin in the store, where customers can donate new items. Items most needed this year are all available at Mark’s, specifically socks and underwear as well as hats, mitts and gloves. For socks, hats and mitts, our focus is on those that are as warm as possible. There is also a donation bin at the Annan Post Office. Should someone wish to make a donation outside of these locations, the Club can pick up donations by contacting them at [email protected]. Donations will be collected until mid March.

Junior Optimist members are also taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser, with all funds raised locally going to Safe ‘N Sound . Several Junior club youth are going to camp out for a night to raise awareness for the cause, as well as to encourage more donations. Their team can be found at cnoy.org, the “Junior Optimists SOS CNOY” (Surviving Owen Sound’s Coldest Night of the Year). Please check it out and give generously!!

photo: President of Owen Sound and District Junior Optimist Club, Parker Davis