WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today that its United Drives initiative will conclude its fifth season this month with the collection of new and gently used coats and winter clothes. United plays at home on Saturday, October 8 versus the MetroStars (7:30 p.m.) and on Saturday, October 15 against the Columbus Crew (7:30 p.m.). At both of these games, donations of coats and winter clothes, such as gloves, hats, scarves and others, will be accepted. All collected items will be donated to The Children's Center in Ward 8.
"Last year, we were pleased to partner with The Children's Center for a Thanksgiving activity and really grew to appreciate all that The Center does for children and families in Ward 8," said Catherine Marquette, United's Director of Community Relations and United for D.C.'s Executive Director. "It is our hope that our fans will really come out strong during this last United Drives and donate coats and clothes as we approach the winter season."
At all D.C. United regular season home games, the United Drives booth is located outside of RFK Stadium's Gate A and opens an hour and a half prior to kickoff, closing 15 minutes into the first half. Any fan that donates an item will receive a "Buy One, Get One Free" ticket voucher good for any D.C. United regular season home game as well as a United promotional item as a thank you from the club.
The Children's Center started in 1991 with a few children and a few crayons at the Sheridan Terrace housing area in Ward 8 under the guidance of community leader Myrtle Loughry. Since that time, The Children's Center has grown to include an after-school program each day from 3 to 7 p.m. along with a summer program each day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Center offers homework assistance, arts and crafts, reading, computer learning, organized sports and other activities. Over 75 children between the ages of 6 and 14 are enrolled at The Children's Center.
Through United Drives, D.C. United chooses a different item to collect during each month of the season. The items collected by United Drives include children's toys (April) to benefit Children's National Medical Center, children's books (May) and school supplies (August) to benefit United for D.C., toiletry items (June) to benefit the Dinner Program for Homeless Women, canned food (July) to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank, soccer equipment (September) to benefit DC SCORES and coats and clothes (October) to benefit The Children's Center located in Ward 8.
For more information on the United Drives program or to receive more information about any of D.C. United's Community Relations' initiatives, please contact Catherine Marquette at 202-587-5443 or cmarquette@dcunited.com
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Remaining 2005 United Drives Schedule
Dates, Drive, Beneficiary
October (8th & 15th), Coat & Clothes Drive, The Children's Center
