United Orthopaedic and Spine Center in Bridgeport is Holding Coats for Kids Drive for Children in Need
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on December 01, 2023
Temperatures are dropping as winter is on its way. United Orthopaedic and Spine Center is holding its 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.
Information from Child Trends provides that the rate of child poverty in the United States has more than doubled, with 5.2 million more children living in poverty. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in four children in West Virginia live in poverty. These statistics are included in a report by the West Virginia Center on Budget Policy.
“Last year North Central West Virginia helped UHC to exceed our goal. This year, we hope to provide 750 coats to 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, at UHC Orthopaedics, president of the 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 at 227 Medical Park Drive, Bridgeport, WV during normal business hours. For questions about the winter coat drive, please call (681) 342-3500 or (681) 342-3508.
Editor's Note: Pictured, from left, is Joseph Fazalare, MD, of UHC Orthopaedics, president of the UHC Medical Staff, and Christopher Courtney, DO, of UHC Orthopaedics, together they have launched a “Coats for Kids” campaign to collect 750 coats for children in need in North Central West Virginia.
