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In Zaandam, more than a hundred free winter coats were “collected” in a park in a short period of time. Resident Sara Kroes has been picking up the coats for the past few weeks. She hung it from the trees of the Volkspark and saw how much need was there: after two days there were still two coats missing.
Kroes appealed on social media and asked colleagues, friends and family to donate coats. It had about sixty copies, but to his surprise received 130, NH News reported. The coats would hang in the park for four days. “Anyone who needed a coat could pick one from the tree anonymously,” says Kroes.
Bittersweet success
It happened en masse: on Wednesday morning the coats were hung up and this morning there were only two left. “It’s overwhelming with a bittersweet finish,” says Kroes. He thinks twice: “It’s great that so many coats have been given a new purpose. But it also shows the need. I’m thrilled that it happened so quickly.”
The first coat was collected by a man from the Poelenburg district. He told Kroes with a wink that he got a free coat and fashion tips from three women. Kroes also received social messages from families: “They told me they couldn’t buy a coat for the whole family and they were very happy with this promotion. This makes me very happy.”
I am very confident that the jackets ended up where they were really needed.
Kroes walked through the park several times a day for the past few days to make sure all coats were still hanging neatly. “At all times I have seen people go out and choose a jacket. Men, women, families. I am confident that the jackets ended up where they were really needed.”
Kroes’ children also participated and were moved by the action, he says: “They saw a family with children picking coats from the tree. This makes them understand even more how much we have it and how difficult it can sometimes be to the others. .”
Next year
Kroes and his sons are motivated by the success of this action to do it again next year. “The children immediately suggested it, we will certainly do it. They are already offering me a lot of help from all sides.”
The two remaining coats will remain in the park until tomorrow morning. When they are no longer picked up, they go to the clothing bank.
