YOUNGSTOWN — A Hubbard native began the nonprofit organization Youngstown Blue Coats in her home garage.
“Seven years ago we served 10 people,” said Patty Summers, the president and founder of Youngstown Blue Coats. “This past season alone, we served 3,500 people.”
As the need for coats, hats, boots and other warming gear continued to increase, she took action, and purchased a 12,000 square-foot building to continue her mission of helping veterans and others in need.
“Started it with a coat drive for my father-in-law who was in the 82nd Airborne, and I told him I was doing it to honor him and he told me, don’t do it to honor me, do it for the people who are not here,” Summers said.
Youngstown Blue Coats serves six counties in Ohio, as well as five in Pennsylvania.
They have a core group of 10 volunteers and partner with 58 agencies and local schools.
“We have a window on the side of the bus,” said long-time volunteer Pat Maiorca. “I work the window, and people will come up to the bus and let me know what they need.”
Maiorca is the longest volunteer member for the Blue Coats.
While she drew inspiration from veterans in her own family, she said the opportunity to help those who are less fortunate is humbling.
“And I pray for those who need help, and it just does my heart good,” Maiorca said.
“Getting to treat them like a person is real important to us, to be able to make them feel that way, not just someone walking down the street or a number,” Summers said.
But it’s not always sad stories, it’s also the triumphs after tragedy that help Summers remain focused on her mission.
“He said I’m the one you gave the stuff to during the polar vortex,” Summers said. “He said, ‘I have gotten recovery, and I want you to know that you saved my life. I was going to kill myself and you showed me love and compassion and because of that, you gave me hope.'”
