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Community Action Partnership, a social services organization with a branch operating in Minot, is collecting winter gear donations.
The winter gear will be distributed to families and individuals in need. CAP collects gear year round but ramps up collections in the fall and early winter, often partnering with businesses to hold drives.
Payden Garaas, program manager at CAP, said the winter gear drives have been held for about five years, partnering with many businesses for more drop-off site opportunities. CAP saw Minot had a need for winter gear, especially for families with children and the homeless population. After CAP began collecting coats, it started to notice other organizations and groups in Minot holding their own coat drives, which Garaas said she appreciates. Although the program started with the youth in mind, a need for support of people of all ages was recognized. All sizes of equipment for all ages are needed and accepted.
Garaas said CAP gets referrals from schools regarding who needs a coat or other winter accessory, or often parents come in for other services and ask if they have their children’s coat sizes.
Another important winter-centered service CAP provides is its yearly Christmas Toy Store, an event to distribute Christmas presents to families with children in need. The Christmas Toy Store program allows for families seeking help from the organization to also sign up for their children to receive Christmas presents. Though many struggle to afford toys, through the program, it is possible for them to access a gift for their child.
Coats and other gear can be dropped off at the CAP building. CAP also accepts canned food donations for the emergency pantry.