A large donation of clothing and blankets were made at the Grace Inn Shelter on Tuesday.
The donation was made by Parkhurst Transportation.
“So over the month of November, our staff has been collecting blankets and jackets and scarves, sweaters, clothes, and we’ve been stuffing the bus for the month,” Operations Manager at Parkham Transportation, Sherry Barker, tells Quinte News.
“Here we are today to deliver however many 1000s of pounds of clothes so we’re very fortunate and very blessed that we have such a giving staff.”
Clothes and blankets being taken out of the “Stuff the Bus” used by Parkhurst Transportation. December 5, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Barker says the idea came after speaking with Belleville Police about the homeless situation in the city and what the company could do to help with impending cold coming.
She says this led to getting in touch with staff at Hastings County and the creation of the Stuff the Bus program for staff.
“We came up with the idea, near the end of October and decided to do it for the whole month of November,” Barker says.
“So we put the bus out in our backyard for internal staff only to deliver so we told people to take the month of November to clean and purge out their closet for stuff they weren’t using.”
Barker says it was an awesome opportunity not only for staff but to give back to the community.
“We said even if we can help one person this year stay warm then we’ve achieved our our goal.” she tells Quinte News.
Members with Hastings County, The John Howard Society and Parkhurst Transportation organizing clothes donated. December 5, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Among the items donated included clothes such as pants, sweaters, sweatshirts as well as outdoor apparel like scarves mitts and toques. Blankets were also a part of the donation.
“So we received quite a bit of donations,” Madison, a peer support worker for the John Howard Society, tells Quinte News.
“On a daily basis were asked for different things from warm pants, sweaters, coats, backpack, socks, anything like that. So this is going to provide people some warmth and access to clothing.”
She says those would like to donate whether with clothing or with financial donations can reach out by calling or emailing their services.
Members with Hastings County, The John Howard Society and Parkhurst Transportation outside the bus used for the “Stuff the Bus”. December 5, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
