EBS STAFF
Student requests for the warm winter drive have surged past 300, showing an alarming trend: more local students than ever need help staying warm this winter.
The Bozeman School District and the Bozeman Schools Foundation are working together through the Warm Winter Drive to meet growing demand. For over two decades, they’ve partnered with First Presbyterian Church to distribute coats, boots and other essentials to students in need, and this year, local businesses, such as First Security Bank, Bozeman Sunrise and Noon Rotaries are helping expand the effort. New partner Dry Fly Saloon is serving as a drop-off site and offering a complimentary Chili Dip appetizer to anyone donating winter gear.
“With the continuing rise in need, we’re coordinating even more closely with the District to make sure every student has the essentials,” said Jenn Lammers, executive director of the Bozeman Schools Foundation. “Each coat or dollar donated helps a student focus on learning instead of worrying about staying warm or fed.”
The drive has hopes to provide not just coats and boots but also snow pants, warm clothing essential for students walking to school, waiting at bus stops or joining classmates on the playground. Thrive Parent Liaisons and front office staff across the district help identify students in need and organize donations as they arrive.
New and gently used coats, boots and snow pants can be dropped off through October at any Bozeman School District school office or at Dry Fly Saloon. Cash donations can be directed to the Essential Needs Fund through the Bozeman Schools Foundation. Their goal is to distribute all items to students during the first week of November. Organizations interested in joining as partners can contact Amelia Huba at amelia.huba@bsd7.org.
