When Sandra Dalgleish discovered her daughter was living on the streets after battling addiction issues, she decided she wanted to do something to help the community as a whole, especially those who are unhoused.

During her daughterB次元官网网址檚 time on the street, she would often tell Dalgleish that she was always losing things or having items stolen and needing to rebuild. 

So, in 2020, Dalgleish and her husband Luigi Gino Del-Ciotto, who own Eureka The Everything Store in Princeton, decided to set up a coat rack outside their store for people to donate winter jackets and for those who were in need to come by and take one. 

However, in 2021, DalgleishB次元官网网址檚 daughter died and the concept of the coat rack became a permanent structure outside the store starting every Nov. 5.

B次元官网网址淚t is something we are doing in her memory and honour her and her friends,B次元官网网址� said Dalgleish. B次元官网网址淭hese last few years it has really taken off, the community has been very supported, so this is something that is needed.B次元官网网址�

Since the first winter Dalgleish and Del-Ciotto put the coat rack outside their store, the idea has grown from just coats to scarves, hats, sleeping bags, shoes and even teddy bears.

B次元官网网址淚 noticed we have had some seniors come and grab a few items, pillows and blankets. So, this isnB次元官网网址檛 just for those who are homeless; this is for seniors who canB次元官网网址檛 afford things or anyone who canB次元官网网址檛 afford to turn up their heat,B次元官网网址� explained Dalgleish. 

She added that after the Atmospheric River in 2021, many of PrincetonB次元官网网址檚 residents were left homeless or without winter wear, which meant keeping the coat rack operational was more important than ever to the community.

The coat rack sits outside at 225 Bridge St., 24 hours a day, for anyone to leave a donation and those in need can take what is available. There is camera surveillance to ensure no one takes advantage of the coat rack, but Dalgleish says there hasnB次元官网网址檛 been much negativity around this charitable cause. 

B次元官网网址淲e have noticed that everyone who walks by from a lady with her dog, to maybe someone homeless, helps out and picks up items that might have fallen off the rack if it is after the store is closed,B次元官网网址� said Dalgleish. 

Last year Dalgleish had to undergo major surgery and spent much of December in hospital, however, she and her husband decided to leave the coat rack outside.

B次元官网网址淚t was taken care of, it was fully reloaded when it got low, and everything was kept clean and tidy,B次元官网网址� laughed Dalgleish. B次元官网网址淭his idea of putting a coat rack out has become something people starting expecting and supporting.B次元官网网址�

Dalgleish said she has had clothing from all over Canada shipped to Princeton to help keep the coat rack filled with winter items. 

B次元官网网址淧eople have dropped off stuff that they said family sent them from Ontario to help with our coat rack,B次元官网网址� she said. 

While Dalgleish and Del-Ciotto try their best to check items for wear and tear to ensure the clothing is clean, often many donations are dropped off at night and picked up before the store opens. 

B次元官网网址淟ast year we had a very kind lady in town who picked up everything that had holes in it and she stitched up everything and brought it back,B次元官网网址� explained Dalgleish.

The community support for the initiative is quite strong in Princeton, with even the coat rack itself being donated. 

This year the coat rack is low on womenB次元官网网址檚 winter items and Dalgleish wants residents to know that childrenB次元官网网址檚 winter clothing is also accepted as donations. 

The coat rack will stay outside Eureka The Everything Store until March or until donations stop coming in.