ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Sandra Lewis, left, and Christine Neals from the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce handle the first coat donations for the Kids Coat Drive.
By MICHELE DURGIN
LYNN — Eight-year-old Eddie Lewis, a student at Callahan Elementary School, came home from class recently and informed his mom, Sandra Lewis, that some of his classmates didn’t have warm jackets to wear on the increasingly cooler days.
He went on to tell her that he felt bad about it and wondered if there was something he could do to help his friends in need. Lewis told her son she would look into the problem and, hopefully, come up with a solution.
Within a few days, Sandra, who is the Membership Manager at the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce, worked out a plan and she had the full support of her co-workers, Communications Manager Christine Neals and Chamber President, Leslie Gould.
“We are happy to announce that we are sponsoring a Kids Coat Drive and would be thrilled to get donations of new coats, hats, mittens, gloves and scarves for school age youngsters,” said Gould. “ When Sandra told us that there were children in need of winter coats and hats we were anxious to get this going.”
The drive will run until Nov. 30, although Lewis said they would not turn away any donations that came in later than that. The women have set up drop off locations at several area businesses, including East Boston Savings Bank, 335 Broadway, Lynn, Eastern Bank, 112 Market St., Lynn, Salem Five, 450 Paradise Rd. in Swampscott and the Chamber’s office located at 583 Chestnut St.
“It’s a true family feeling here and everyone in the office is so supportive of the drive. My own children are anxious to contribute. It’s good to remind them that we are very lucky and it’s important to be aware of those in our community who need our help,” said Lewis.
Lewis was pleased to report that the Lynn Lions Club kicked off the drive with a generous $500 donation towards new coats for kids in need.
“I expect this drive to be a tremendous success,”said Gould, adding, “That’s because the local community has a big heart and a generous spirit. I am fortunate to work in a city that is so giving and I am very grateful to those who are stepping up to make sure the children in our neighborhoods will be bundled up and warm during the cold months ahead.”