PAAR COLLECTS COATS FOR KIDS IN PRESCOTT AREA

Between October and December, the members of the Prescott Area Association of Realtor’s Community Service and Outreach Committee participated in “Don Shaffers’ Coats for Kids,” distributing boxes to schools and real estate office to collect coats and other winter items from across the Prescott Area to donate to local charities.   
The program was the brain child of longtime local Realtor Don Shaffer, conceived as a collection and redistribution of kid size coats and jackets. Following his passing in 2016, the program was adopted by the PAAR Community Service and Outreach Committee, and named in his honor. The committee had sponsored it for the past three years.
“Don did a lot of research on where we would donate the coats,” said A.J. Sheridan, a friend and coworker of Don who originally worked with him at BloomTree Realty. “He made sure that the places we’d donate were all local…that they didn’t take what we donated and ship them off somewhere else. Taking care of our local communities is one of the highlights of the program. Don valued that a lot and it really helps out a lot of kids whose families don’t have a whole lot of money and need coats for the winter.”
The drive ended on December 13 with the Association filling Santa’s sack more than 29 times, with new and gently used coats for children, teens, and adults. All were donated to Stepping Stones, Prescott Area Shelter Services (P.A.S.S.), and various veterans agencies.
“Ideas are great, and we all have wonderful ideas, but it takes leadership, organizational skills, and a willingness to give of ones-self that implements these ideas and makes them happen,” said Jeri Shaffer, Don’s widow. “Don had these skills and dedication which benefitted the community.”
The Prescott Area Association of Realtors is a nonprofit trade association that provides more than 1600 Realtors with a local multiple listing service, educational opportunities, and other resources to help its members provide unparalleled service and professionalism to their customers.