So many people are so grateful, again, for the unfailing generosity of Zumiez and its Zumiez Foundation.
For an impressive 5th year in a row, the sports apparel retailer Zumiez sent a generous shipment of new winter coats, sweatshirts, caps, gloves, and blankets for distribution to homeless youths, parents, and adults.
Our staff toted 42 boxes – 945 lbs. worth! – up to our 2nd floor office when the goods were delivered Monday morning. We have already begun distributing the winter wear, including to homeless leaders involved in the Sweet Home Chicago campaign.
“Thank you. I’ll be warm for Xmas,” Ms. Paula, a resident of Deborah’s Place, wrote in a thank you note to Zumiez.
For a week or two, the conference room in our South Loop office is transformed into an ad hoc clothing distribution center. Organizers haul clothing and blankets to some of the 30 shelters and housing programs where they run regular outreach. Some of the blankets will get handed out in January to homeless people who find shelter on Lower Wacker Drive.
Zumiez’s practical gifts to Chicago’s homeless community totals some 5,000 lbs. of winter wear over five holiday seasons. Good on you, Zumiez!
– Anne Bowhay, media coordinator