JFS offering free kids’ coats, shoes starting Monday
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Dec. 1, 2022) – Parents struggling to make ends meet can get free coats and shoes for their kids at Tuscarawas County’s JFS Office.
Eligibility Referral Supervisor Debbie Whitney says they have a limited supply of both in various sizes for households with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level thanks to a partnership between the governor’s office and the Pennsylvania-based nonprofit Operation Warm.
“Actually, we have to thank our county commissioners because they’re the ones who shared the information with our agency, and as soon as we saw it, we signed up for it. It’s just something that resonated with us and we know can help a lot of people.”
The program opens Monday at 8 am and continues during regular business hours through December 16th unless JFS depletes its supply of coats and shoes before then. .
I do anticipate running out of maybe particular sizes a little quicker than others, but we wanted to have a two-week opportunity for folks to come in,” she says. “If we run out sooner than that then, obviously, we’ll communicate that via social media and our website.
There’s a one-page form to fill out when you arrive attesting that your income doesn’t exceed the threshold, which is around $4,600 per month for a family of four. While it’s not required, Whitney suggests bringing your kids to try the coats and shoes on since you won’t be able to return or exchange the ones you pick out for them.