New Stanton Volunteer Fire Department hosts 3rd winter clothing giveaway

Hundreds of winter clothing items are available for those in need this weekend at the New Stanton Volunteer Fire Department.

Located on South Main Street, the department will host its third annual winter clothing giveaway from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday — donating coats, sweatshirts, gloves, ear muffs and scarves of all sizes to community members in need.

Linda Hauger, the event organizer, said about 60 people came looking for winter clothes last year. She is hoping to draw a larger turnout this year.

“People are short money today,” said Hauger of New Stanton. “I just want people to be warm.”

This year, the winter clothing drive has received more clothing and financial donations than in the past.

“I got more (donations) on the first two drop-off dates than I have in the past two years,” Hauger said.

Hauger was inspired to start the clothing drive by the Blessing Box initiative she started at the fire department about three or four years ago. The box, located outside of the fire hall, contains food, hygiene products and other essentials that community members can take.

Both initiatives were started to support those in need during the pandemic, said Hauger’s husband, David, who serves as president of the fire department.

“The fire department supports the efforts of the folks in the community who are trying to help people,” he said.

Any leftover clothing items from the giveaway will be donated to clothing closets at Stanwood Elementary School, the Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, Westmoreland County Community College and several local churches, Hauger said.

Helping others “just makes you feel good,” Hauger said.

“If I could get one family in warm winter clothing, that would be wonderful,” she said.