Some things never go out of date. Over three days in October - Friday, the 16th through Sunday, the 18th - the Mettawee Community School hosts the 19th Annual Share the Warmth Clothing Drive and Giveaway. 

“The need for our free giveaway continues to grow each year,” says Pawlet resident Brooke Burnham, a former paraeducator at Mettawee, who now continues that work at Burr and Burton Academy. “With the cost of everyday expenses continuing to rise, families are facing hard decisions on heating their homes, purchasing food, fueling their vehicles and paying for medical expenses. Knowing that we can help ease this burden by offering free warm clothing for our community makes all the difference.”

This year’s program takes place in two steps:

Friday, October 16 - Clothes may be dropped off at the Mettawee Community School Gymnasium from 8 am to 4 pm. All size clothing will be accepted, along with bedding, shoes and even Halloween costumes. This year, there is a special need for men’s and kid’s clothing of all sizes. Also coats and outdoor accessories like gloves, scarves, and boots for everyone are in demand. All items must be clean, smoke free, and reusable. 

Saturday/Sunday, October 17-18. Doors at the Mettawee Community School will open from 9 am to 2 pm both days for the clothing giveaway. Please bring bags for taking the clothes and other items home. 

Share the Warmth also provides Mettawee students with a lesson in public service. On Donation Day Friday, 6th graders and volunteers from other grades spend time in the gymnasium helping to organize and prepare the clothing items for distribution over the weekend giveaway.

“Each year our kids and staff look forward to the Share the Warmth tradition,” says MCS Principal Brooke DeBonis. “Helping others makes them feel like they are doing something good for their community. I know many local families look forward to coming to this event to get clothes for their children.”

For more information, reach out directly to Brooke Burnham by phone (802-342-6377) or email (lbbw1999ollieowen@yahoo.com). Monetary contributions can be made to Share the Warmth, Inc. and mailed to Post Office Box 11, Granville, NY 12832. The annual Clothing Drive and Giveaway traditionally attracts participants from the Mettawee towns of Rupert and Pawlet, as well as surrounding Vermont and New York communities.