Erie Queer Community Unites for Successful Boot & Coat Drive

By Bobbie Fenno

On Saturday, February 8, the Erie Queer Community came together in a powerful display of generosity and solidarity, hosting a Boots & Coat Drive to support Community Shelter Services of Erie, PA. Volunteers from local LGBTQ+ organizations collected several carloads of new and gently used winter clothing, including coats and boots, ensuring that those in need have access to essential cold-weather gear. In addition to clothing donations, the drive also collected ground coffee a simple but meaningful comfort for those facing the harsh Erie winter.

"It was nice having so many LGBT+ groups working together for a cause," said Mulnah Dovat, a volunteer representing Compton's Table, Journey, and NW PA Pride Alliance. "No matter what community you are from, homelessness is a pervasive issue that does not discriminate; everyone is one bad day away from being unhoused. Everyone deserves warmth and safety, and the opportunity to help Community Shelter Services through collaboration especially during such divisive times was powerful."

The event was made possible through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and the support of a wide range of local LGBTQ+ and allied organizations, including Aging with Pride, Ascend Climbing/Queer Scouts, Bears Do Dinner, Central Outreach Wellness Center, Compton's Table, Erie Gay News, Erie Trans Picnics, Free Mom Hugs, Journey: Healing Together, LBT Women of Erie, NW PA Pride Alliance, PA Thrive Partnership, Wabtec's Pride ERG, Whee! Studios, Yellow Brick Roads, and Zone Dance Club.

Season Crannell, President of NW PA Pride Alliance, was happy to see the turnout from the community and organizations. "It's more important now than ever for us to come together and take care of each other. As a community and as a populace in general. Times will be tough, but we're tougher."

With the success of this year's drive, organizers hope to keep continuing these Give Back efforts in the future, reinforcing the strength and compassion of Erie's LGBTQ+ community. Stay tuned for the next Queer Community Give Back event coming soon.

About the Author

Bobbie Fenno Bobbie Fenno (She/Her) joined as a contributing editor in 2025, but has been involved with Erie Gay News as a folding volunteer previously. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor's degree in Business, a certificate in Project Management, and an Associate's in Information Technology. Bobbie is also an active member of the LBT Women of Erie group and was also a board member for the NWPA Pride Alliance for four years (2021-2024).

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