San Juan Basin Public Health hosts winter clothing drive at vaccination clinics – The Durango Herald
Residents can donate goods while getting vaccinated
San Juan Basin Public Health has announced that it will be holding a winter clothing drive at its offices and vaccination clinics. (Durango Herald file)
With colder temperatures coming, San Juan Basin Public Health will be holding a winter clothing drive at its offices and some of its COVID-19 vaccination clinics in La Plata and Archuleta counties throughout October. .
“There are two great things you can do for the community by donating winter supplies for those in need and having your family and eligible children vaccinated for COVID-19 at an upcoming clinic,” said Liane Jollon, director executive of SJBPH, in a press release.
SJBPH asks that the donated clothes be cleaned and in good condition.
Donations received by the public health body will be distributed to a number of local organizations in Pagosa Springs, Durango, Bayfield and Ignacio.
According to SJBPH, the list of partner organizations is growing, but clothing donations will be distributed to the Manna Soup Kitchen and Neighbors in Need Alliance.
Although this is not something that SJBPH does every year, the department has organized fundraising campaigns in the past. For example, during the start of the school year, there was a collection of school supplies. The success of the school fundraiser prompted the winter clothing drive.
“We did it and it went well,” said SJBPH spokesperson Chandler Griffin. “We are able to bring these school supplies, and I think that gave us the idea to allow the community to have another opportunity.
Some wanted donation items include:
- Coats.
- Blankets.
- Winter hats.
- Gloves.
- Scarves.
- Waterproof / resistant jackets.
- Warm socks not used.
- Boots.
- Cold weather equipment.
Donation boxes will be available for anyone wishing to donate until November 1 at these locations:
Archuleta County Vaccination Clinics
- Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, 811 San Juan Street, Pagosa Springs. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
La Plata County Vaccination Clinics
- La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., Durango. Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Durango Farmer’s Market, 259 W. Ninth St., Durango. 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
SJBPH locations
- Pagosa Springs, 502 South Eighth St. 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
- Durango, 281 Sawyer Drive. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
COVID-19 vaccines are readily available for all residents aged 12 and over. Only Pfizer vaccine has been approved for children 12 to 17 years old.
SJBPH said La Plata and Archuleta counties are considered to be at high risk for transmission of COVID-19, based on parameters set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“As the weather cools and we move indoors, it is imperative that we do everything possible to limit the spread of COVID-19,” Jollon said. “Although the drivetrain remains high with the Delta variant in circulation, it is important to take precautions. Wearing a mask inside businesses and indoor public places, regardless of your immunization status, will help keep members of our community healthy during the colder months. Families who are still unvaccinated should do so immediately in preparation for winter. “