Most of us have more than we need, says Terri O’Neill-Borders of the Hope and Friendship Foundation. So, she asks, why not share the surplus with those who need it more – the 6 percent of Lemont Township residents who live at or below poverty level or at the threshold just above the poverty line?

To participate in the Hope and Friendship Foundation's seventh annual winter clothing drive, bring your gently used clothing to the Lemont Township Office at 1115 Warner Ave. (behind Chipains Fresh Market).

Donations may be dropped off between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays, by Thursday, Nov 1. Volunteers will sort clothing on Friday, Nov. 2, and friends in need will choose their winter clothing on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Following are excerpts from O’Neill-Borders’ latest blog, which makes the case for sharing gently used winter clothing from your closet, basement or attic:

“Simply share the surplus. If you can open your closet and see multiple coats, or tunics that you own and yet always reach for the same coat, share one. If you have four white turtlenecks (of which I am guilty of) share one.

…We can fill some of the voids in some of the struggling homes in our neighborhoods by simply sharing, giving, blessing another with a gently used (not tattered and torn with zipper broke) item that truly won’t be missed from the closet, from the corner, or from the box that might be lighter next season when you haul it from the basement.

It is a beautiful thing to know that someone is warmer on the outside and inside because someone cared to share.”

For more information, to donate gift shopping cards or make a financial contribution, email O’Neill-Borders at hopeandfriendship@comcast.net.

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