Over 800 Coats Collected for Lakeland Hills YMCA’s Annual Coat Drive Morris County, NJ

​In 2020, the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA hosted its annual coat drive in partnership with Market Street Mission. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Y presumed the number of coats and jackets collected during its two-week coat drive would produce, at best, 100-200 coats. It was very surprising, and happily so, to provide Market Street Mission with over 500 coats and jackets to give to those in need.

​This year the expectations were a bit higher, hoping to add to the number from last year. 

Robb Elko, Associate Director of Fund Development and Community Services, was optimistic about the number increasing, but was surprised, once again, in an exceptionally good way: “I was overwhelmed by the generosity of individuals from the community who provided over 800 coats, jackets, gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves to help those who would be in need of warmth this winter,” said Robb. “I never would have imagined the outpouring of fellowship and goodwill from the residents in our surrounding towns. ​It really makes you feel good about the level of support we receive year after year.” Robb continued, “As the saying goes: The greatest gift you can give yourself is, of course, helping others. The winter clothing drive was held from October 1-18 and the donations not only came in quickly, but they came in by the bagful. It was truly amazing!”

The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is known as a pillar of the community – a health and human services nonprofit organization with three major areas of focus: Health and wellness, social responsibility, and youth development. Its physical address is in Mountain Lakes, but it borders Parsippany and Boonton, and services a large geographic area in Morris County. The Y connects residents and businesses to nonprofit organizations and the business community. Alejandro Martinez, President and CEO of the Y, said, “We have been overwhelmed with the support of our local communities and nonprofit and corporate partners as we had to pivot to immediately address the many issues that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic.” He continued: “There were so much “need” in our geographic area: Food insecurity, lack of school supplies, a shortage of blood donors, needed services for seniors and families, mental wellness, and so many others. Although we are located in Morris County, the need for help is all too real, and continues for so many.”

When the Market Street Mission of Paterson asked the Y to help with their recent clothing drive for winter coats and accessories, the Y was there. This year, another community partner was welcomed into the mix, and thus became part of the coat drive. Saint Clare’s Health, a renowned local healthcare system which partners with the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA on many fronts, was happy to help. The Y is thankful for Saint Clare’s support, and grateful to be part of the wonderful work that Market Street Mission has been doing for generations.

This fall the Y has multiple events for its members and the community, including a nonprofit match-up for those seeking community service opportunities on November 16; a holiday fitness challenge which kicks off right after Thanksgiving and for the first time is available to non-members; its National Family Week allows members to bring guests to the Y for free all during Thanksgiving Week; and its annual financial assistance campaign, Give a Kid the Y, begins its quest in earnest.

​The Y never turns away a child, individual or family who cannot join the Y because of their inability to pay. All donations raised for its financial assistance program stay in local communities, allowing for after-school programs, summer camp, childcare, memberships, and youth programming. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, no other organization impacts as many, as powerfully, as the Y does every day.

For more information on the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, please email its Director of Marketing and Membership, Rosemary Linder Day, at [email protected].