Canopy Children’s Solutions ask public to donate coats for children

This is a press release from Canopy Children's Solutions.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Canopy Children’s Solutions (Canopy) needs your help collecting Cozy Coats for Kids throughout December. As the temperature drops, Canopy wants to ensure children across the state have access to warm clothing.

Canopy operates 18 locations across the state and provides direct care to more than 4,400 children each year. Canopy’s continuum includes several 24-hour care programs including two children’s crisis shelters. However, the vast majority of children receive care within their homes and local communities. Many of the children Canopy serves rely on generous donations from the local community to meet clothing needs, particularly in the winter months.

“When children come to an emergency shelter, they often come from pretty bad situations, so the belongings they have may not be in good condition, if they have anything at all,” said Cindy McCarley, shelter director for Canopy’s Warren County Children’s Shelter in Vicksburg. “The kids are already scared and offering them something that provides warmth and comfort really helps to ground them and let them know they are safe. So often, we have to depend on the generosity of the local community to give these kids what they need, and we are always so grateful when they answer that call.”

“It’s important that in addition to meeting the therapeutic and emotional needs of children, that we meet their physical needs as well,” said Tonja Smith, child and family advocate for Canopy. “Sometimes that comes in the form of food, or school supplies, and during the winter months, warm coats and jackets.”

Canopy is the state’s most comprehensive provider of children’s behavioral health, educational and social service solutions serving all 82 Mississippi counties. Solutions offered through Canopy include autism programs, intensive psychiatric care, specialized education programs, therapeutic foster care, crisis solutions and shelters, behavioral health solutions, adoption, family preservation and family reunification.

As you replace your child’s winter jackets, please consider donating them to the children at Canopy. New and gently used coats, jackets and winter wear will be accepted at locations statewide with donations staying within the local community. For more information about how you can support Cozy Coats for Kids or learn about other ways to get involved, please contact Traci Grubb at 601-352-7784.