Bubba's Closet still taking donations through Oct. 27

The answer to who is Bubba remains elusive - but the impact of the Bubba’s Closet clothing give-away program is no mystery.

For more than 20 years, Bubba’s Closet has typically collected between 500 and 1,200 donated winter coats every year and distributed them to elementary school students who need warm clothing. Over the years the program has expanded to offer other articles of winter clothing, such as sweaters, scarves, hats, sweatshirts, mittens and gloves.

This year, volunteers will distribute the coats and other clothing on Nov. 11 at McPhee Elementary School. You can donate items through Oct. 27 at any Hangers Cleaners location. This Saturday, Oct. 21, Lincoln Public Schools elementary principals will be on hand at Roca Berry Farm to accept donations and personally thank donors.

As usual, the elementary principals have spearheaded the collection efforts and will volunteer Nov. 11 at McPhee, along with other LPS employees and community members.

Norwood Park Elementary School Principal Pam Hale is this year’s event organizer. She said it makes sense that principals take on Bubba’s Closet as a service project.

“We’re the ones on the front lines who see kids coming to school without coats and mittens,” Hale said.

The generosity of others never ceases to amaze her. She recalled a recent example of a family who received coats, then donated them back during another year’s Bubba’s Closet event before receiving new coats in bigger sizes. “It just shows that anybody can give,” Hale said.

As for Bubba, she’s been doing some sleuthing - but still doesn’t know the identity of the program’s namesake. Or if it’s even a person, for that matter.

“It’s a mystery.”

 


Published: October 19, 2017, Updated: October 19, 2017

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