Warmth and cheer as coats pile up for area families

The coats piled up on the floor of the American Legion — coats with hoods, with sparkles, edged with fake fur, in all colors and sizes.

Then the children arrived, most of them members of local 4H groups, and the mass became organized — children’s coats, adult coats, all gently used or new, destined for families in Grafton, Northbridge and Upton.

“I can’t believe we’ve been doing this for five years,” said state Rep. David Muradian. “We have people reaching out to us now for help with coats.”

Schools in the three towns his district covers, Peace of Bread in Northbridge, and other local charities will be contacted to find families in need of warm clothing.