July warms up with clothing drive

  When the temperatures hover at 100-plus degrees, Yumans aren't thinking about coats and warm clothing, but Rural/Metro Fire Department is declaring it's "Christmas in July."

 For the fourth year, Rural/Metro will be collecting coats and other warm clothing starting Monday and continuing through July 31.

  "All of the clothing collected during the remainder of the month will be donated to organizations to help the needy in December," said Kathy Selitto, with RM human resources "We have collected more than 10,000 items of clothing since the beginning of the annual drive."

  The official opening for collecting the warm clothing will be from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday at Fry's Store, 500 W. 24th St. This location and the one in the Foothills at 11274 S. Fortuna Road will be drop-off sites.

 Other locations are the Rural/Metro stations in Yuma: 2029 Arizona Ave., 3620 W. 8th St., 1275 S. Pacific Ave. and 840 S. 5th Ave.

 Foothills locations, including Fry's, are 10333 E. 38th Place and 13157 44th St.

 RM Station 6 is located on Martinez Lake Road, and Station 7 is at 744 E. Juan Chavez in San Luis, Ariz.

 "Other than coats, any warm clothing - used, in good condition - is welcomed," Selitto said. "We can always use sweaters, sweatsuits, jackets, and all sizes are needed."

 The agencies that will be receiving the clothing to distribute to those in need include Amberly's Place, Child and Family Resources, Child and Family Services, Crossroads Mission, Somerton Rotary Club and Precious Treasures.

 Coats collected in excess of the organizations' needs will be given to Goodwill.

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Pam M. Smith can be reached at psmith@yumasun.com or 539-6856.