The annual Buy Nothing Day Coat Exchange will take place, as always, the Friday after Thanksgiving; you still have time to check your closets for coats, hats, gloves, etc. for the stuff you no longer wear or have . . . outgrown. There are collection sites around the state with a few here in Providence:
- Narragansett Beer Taproom, Tockwotton Street, India Point, “Donate a coat, get a free pint!”
- Hot Club, 25 Bridge Street. Collecting during business hours until November 20.
- Spaulding Outpatient (Butler Campus at 100 Butler Drive, not avenue)
- West Broadway Neighborhood Association, Monday thru Thursday from 9:30am–4:30pm (closed for lunch from 1–2pm). Collecting until November 21.
- RI State House, Smith Street side, during business hours through November 18. (Drop off donations in the bin at the sub-basement entrance.)
When shopping this season, consider giving consumables, items whose production and packaging isn’t so hard on the environment, items that won’t end up in the landfill.
The BND Coat Exchange began over 20 years ago when founder Greg Gerritt decided to channel his love of the environment into a charitable cause. Annually occurring on Black Friday, Buy Nothing Day invites you to give rather than spend, and to repurpose rather than toss. Each Friday after Thanksgiving, those in need of warmth meet at donation sites around the state to receive gently-used winter gear. Whether taking a coat or donating one, you’ll always be met with a smile.
Here is what organizers are looking for: Gently-used and new coats, hats, gloves, mittens, sweaters, and sweatshirts for people of all ages and sizes. Kids and XXL+ sizes are needed! Updates on FB.
In case of rain: Gloria Dei Church on Hayes Street.
BND Coat Exchange, 9am to 1pm, Friday, November 25, State House lawn, Gaspee Street mall side, (directions)