Winter coat drive is top priority for new resale store manager at Together We Cope

It may feel like fall, but Cori Scanlan wants 500 winter coats.

As the new manager of Nu2u, Together We Cope’s resale store in Tinley Park, she’s heading up the annual coat drive at homeless prevention agency. “From size 12 months to men’s 5X, we need them all. And none of them will go to waste,” she said.

The agency, which helps bridge the gap for families in temporary crisis in 27 south suburban communities, has seen the need for winter coats grow every year. With the upcoming winter predicted to be a cold one, Scanlan knows dozens of families will need TWC’s help staying warm, and she wants to come through for them.

“Every year, some families will come into the food pantry to pick up groceries on a really cold day, and our volunteers will see a mom just wearing a sweater, or a little boy in a zip-up hoodie. Because of our coat drive, we can send them home with groceries and with a warm jacket or coat, too,” she said.

Scanlan launched the coat drive in August this year to enable clients to get coats before it gets cold. “We need to be ready before the temperature drops,” she said.

TWC’s annual coat drive has been well supported by the community. One Oak Forest resident purchased nearly 100 new winter coats for the program. “I support Together We Cope because it’s local,” said the woman, who wants to remain anonymous. “I shop the web for clearance coats and seem to have really good luck finding bargains. Every one of these new coats will go to a client’s child who really needs it.”

Additionally, Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park has donated $1,000 for the program and is encouraging members to donate coats as well. “Both of these donations are a huge help,” Scanlan said. “We really appreciate the support.”

Scanlan, who was named manager of Nu2u on Aug. 27, has been with TWC since 2012 when she joined Nu2u as a sales associate. “What I love is that it’s a terrific store that supports a great cause,” she said. Proceeds from Nu2u support Together We Cope’s client programs.

Kathryn Straniero, TWC’s executive director, said, “Cori brings great energy and enthusiasm to Nu2u. People respond so well to her, and she’s a great addition to the management team at Together We Cope.”

Winter coat donations are welcome at at Nu2u, 17010 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, from 10 am to 5 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; from 2 to 7 pm on Thursday; and from 10 am to 5 pm on Friday. Further information is with Scanlan at 708.633.9180.

Together We Cope is a nonprofit prevention agency based in Tinley Park that provides resources to families in temporary crisis in 27 south suburban communities, enabling them to stay in their homes. Of every dollar the agency receives, 93 cents goes to client programs and services. In 2015, TWC received its fifth four-star rating from Charity Navigator for sound fiscal management. For information, visit togetherwecope.org.