Temperatures will soon be dropping as winter is on its way. The Bruce Carter United Orthopaedic and Spine Center is holding the annual “Coats for kids” drive to provide children in need with a coat this holiday season.

While you are shopping for new coats for your family, think about the children who are less fortunate. A winter coat is a budget “extra” for those struggling to make ends meet.

Across the United States, about 16% of children (roughly 11.4 million) live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. While national poverty rates have shown slight improvement since pandemic highs, millions of children still face economic insecurity that affects their health, education, and day-to-day well-being.

In West Virginia, the challenge remains even greater. The West Virginia Center on Budget & Policy reports that the state continues to rank among the highest in the nation for child poverty, with many families struggling to meet basic needs despite modest statewide progress. As communities face another cold winter, efforts like the “Coats for Ki— providing warmth and comfort to children who might otherwise go without.

"Last year North Central West Virginia helped UHC to exceed our goal. This year we hope to provide 800 coats for children in need. In fact, our impact went beyond the borders of Harrison County, as we also provided much needed warmth to children in Doddridge, Lewis, Marion, Taylor, and Upshur counties,” said Joseph Fazalare, MD, of UHC Orthopaedics, chief of staff of UHC Medical Staff. “We rely on local support for both coat and monetary donations. Your generosity is greatly appreciated as it makes a big difference."

Young children who go without a coat are unable to regulate their body temperatures as adults do. They can quickly develop hypothermia without protection. Exposure to cold can predispose children to infections, such as pneumonia. Children can also lack confidence and have a fear of being teased for not having the necessary outdoor gear.

This annual fundraiser provides children and teens with coats for the cold winter months. Donations are being accepted now through December 31. Coat donations need to be new and include tags. Sizes needed range from adult to children, as many of the recipients are teenagers requiring adult sizes.

Donations can be dropped off at United Orthopaedics and Spine Center (on the UHC Campus) at 227 Medical Park Drive, in Bridgeport, during normal business hours. For questions about the winter coat drive, please call 681-342-3500.

Editor's Note: Shown is Dr. Joseph Fazalare and Dr. Chris Courtney.

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