By Linda Stefanick
First Congregational Church
12/23/10
Dependable Cleaners has again thrown its support behind the annual coat drive sponsored by First Congregational Church of Milton.

The chain allowed the church to place drop-off boxes for its fifth annual drive at the Dependable locations in East Milton and West Quincy.

“We also have a drop-off at our own church, but by far and away the majority of the coats we receive come from the boxes at Dependable,” said Rich Mee, coordinator of the project. “It’s so convenient for people – they can bring their new and gently used coats with them to the cleaners, and we do the rest.

“We sort and bag the coats and then deliver them to three different local outreach agencies. Those for children go to Cradles to Crayons in Quincy. The dress coats go to the Career Closet at Interfaith Social Services in Quincy, enabling folks seeking re-entry into the work force to build up a suitable wardrobe.

“The majority goes to St. Francis Shelter in Boston, where they deal primarily with people who live on the street. When the weather gets really cold, they average 30 coats given out each day. They’ll use whatever we can bring them.”