Come Out and Support the Annual Warm Coat & Boots Drive

by Bobbie Fenno

As the winter chill settles in, it is time to come together to support our community once again. The annual Warm Coat and Boots Drive will take place on Saturday, January 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Journey to a Trauma-Informed Life.

Community members are invited to stop by and donate new or gently used winter coats, boots, hats, gloves, and other cold-weather essentials. All donated items will be given to Community Shelter Services and distributed to individuals and families in need throughout the Erie area.

This year's drive is supported by a broad coalition of local queer and ally organizations, reflecting the strength and care of Erie's LGBTQIA+ community. Participating organizations include:

• Aging With Pride
• Ascend Climbing/Queer Scouts
• Bears Do Dinner
• Cathedral of St. Paul
• Central Outreach Wellness Center (Erie)
• Compton's Table
• Erie Gay News
• Erie Trans Picnics
• Family Services of NW PA
• Free Mom Hugs
• G2H2
• Journey to a Trauma Informed Life
• LBT Women
• The LGBT Fund of The Erie Community Foundation
• NW PA Pride Alliance
• PrideFuel & Allies
• TransFamily of NW PA
• Wabtec's Pride ERG
• Werner Books & Coffee
• Whee! Design
• The Zone
• more to be announced

Together, these organizations are helping ensure that vital winter gear reaches those who need it most, while also demonstrating the power of collaboration and community care. If you have any questions or are an organization interested in participating, please contact Michael Mahler at info@eriegaynews.com.

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).