The North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) Upper School Maine Needs Club is leading a winter clothing drive through December 19 to support families across Maine. The club is collecting new or gently used winter clothing, including coats, boots, hats, mittens, and snow pants.

Donation bins are located in the Merrill Lower School, Middle School, and the Curtis Buildings. Community members are encouraged to look for items they’ve outgrown or no longer use and bring them in to donate.

All collected items will be delivered to Maine Needs in Portland, where they will be sorted and distributed to families in need throughout the state. According to MaineNeeds.org, the organization is “the people’s non-profit,” dedicated to connecting community members who can give—through time, goods, or resources—with those who need support.

Club founder Sidney Bouman ’27 shared her inspiration for starting the group:

“I started the Maine Needs Club last year because I really value NYA’s emphasis on community and service, and I wanted to add to that,” she explained. “I love Maine Needs as an organization, and I was inspired to bring our community together to support their cause,” she said. “Last year, we gathered dozens of winter coats, snow pants, gloves, and hats in our winter clothes drive and made 30 cleaning and hygiene kits with the money that we raised through fundraisers like snack shack proceeds and NYA Dress Down Days. This year, we can’t wait to do even more! We know how cold Maine winters can be, and we didn’t want anyone to have to worry about having to say warm as the winter months are closing in. We’re happy to help.”

North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) is an independent, college preparatory, coeducational day and boarding school for over 400 students, from toddlers to postgraduate, located in Yarmouth, Maine. Since 1814, NYA has fostered integrity, character, and intellect in its students. Learn more at NYA.org.