Fresno, CA: Beginning November 10, 2007 the San Joaquin Valley Black Chamber of Commerce will be collecting coat donations to distribute to residents of the West Fresno area. “We realize there are a number of families and homeless persons who will need to keep warm this winter, especially with the valley temperatures dropping as low as they have been lately. If we are able to provide warmth to families that would not otherwise have received these coats, then we have done our part” says Ken Blackwood, President of the organization. The efforts are being headed up by Candice Hill, Events Chairperson of SJVBCC. Donations will be accepted until December 15, 2007 at the following Fresno locations:

Rite Aid Store – 1101 Fresno Street (at Fresno & C Street in the Kearney Palm Shopping Center
Pacific Storage – 4201 W. San Jose Avenue (at Brawley/Shaw behind Wal-Mart)
Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce – 2331 Fresno Street (at Fresno & N Street)

After the bins are filled, on December 15th at the Rite Aid Store location from 10 am until 2 pm the coats will be distributed on a “first come, first serve basis.” All are welcome and no one will be turned away until the last coat has been distributed. If the community pools together enough resources, the event will be a great success. After all, the holidays are rapidly approaching and the last thing a mother should have to worry about this season is how to keep her children warm.