Winter Clothing Drive: Over 130 Winter Items Delivered So Far
Loading the Van and Expanding Our Reach
The donations keep coming in, and we are moving them straight out to where they are needed most.
Over the past few weeks, our library and staging tables have filled with heavy puffer coats, lined parkas, wool vests, fleece blankets, thermal socks, and sturdy footwear. Together, we’ve gathered 381 winter essentials and have already been able to deliver 136 of these items straight into the hands of our community partners. Earlier this week, distributions reached individuals at Shepherd’s Table, Nebel Street Shelter, and local West African refugee families.
On the Ground at Laurel Multiservice Center
On Wednesday, Tara and Anne loaded up the KPC van with the latest batch of coats, warm clothing, and blankets to drive down to the Laurel Multiservice Center in Prince George’s County.
While there, they met with Program Operations Manager Sandra Price and her assistant, Humphrey, who walked them through their two-year-old facility. The center operates a full dining hall serving daily hot meals, a media room, a barber shop, and 16 long-term residential rooms designed to help individuals transition off the street. During the winter months, they partner with Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services (LARS) to open additional seasonal rooms to keep unhoused neighbors out of the cold.
Sandra pointed out that because there are no immediate shelters nearby, the center serves as one of the only direct service points for people experiencing homelessness in the area. She brought Anne and Tara to their community clothing closet—a space arranged like a traditional retail store where clients can browse the racks for clothing with dignity.
The center had been experiencing a critical shortage of winter coats, making Wednesday's delivery right on time.
Support for the West African Refugee Community
On Tuesday, October 20, Anne K delivered warm clothing and bedding to Mariama Sy, head volunteer coordinator for our local West African refugee community.
Sourced from personal donation items provided by KPC Founder and Spiritual Director Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo, the delivery included:
24 warm sweaters
14 pairs of shoes
7 full/queen fleece and wool blankets
4 large scarves
Mariama expressed her deep gratitude to Jetsunma for her nonstop care, love, and dedication to her people.
