Two East End Students Leading Sag Harbor “Kids Need Warmth” Coat Drive

Last year, Nola Hollyer and her sister Marina Hollyer wanted to find a creative way to give back to the community during the holidays, so they created “Buddy the Cuddle Monster,” who “collected” donations of outgrown and gently used coats and jackets. Once again the Hollyer sisters have teamed up with the Cuddle Monster to accept donations during the second annual “Kids Need Warmth” coat drive at Sag Harbor Elementary School.

From Monday, November 16th to Wednesday, November 25th, you can assist the sisters spread some holiday season merriment by dropping off cold weather items, which Buddy will joyfully “gobble-up.” Donations will support The Retreat, a local domestic violence services agency.

“We are inspired by these children who want to help others in our community,” said Loretta Davis, Executive Director at The Retreat.

The inaugural “Kids Need Warmth” coat drive amassed 180 warm articles of clothing, and the girls hope to top last year’s result, with the goal of collecting 300 coats for The Retreat clients and their families. “Every single jacket donated to us through this coat drive last year was given to a child in need,” noted Maggie Goldfarb, Director of Development at The Retreat. “We are thrilled that Nola and Marina are leading the Buddy coat drive again this year!”

Sag Harbor Elementary School is located at 68 Hampton Street in Sag Harbor. For more information, visit www.theretreatinc.org.