Sudbury woman collects boots for Windsor's homeless

Donations are rolling in at the Street Help Homeless Centre on Wyandotte Street in Windsor.

Earlier this week, CBC News reported on the urgent need for warm clothing, boots and sleeping bags during this week's frigid weather.

• Windsor's homeless 'are desperate right now,' charity says

Since those reports aired, approximately 30 sleeping bags and 90 pairs of new boots have been donate.

Another 37 pair of boots are expected to arrive from Sudbury today. Joanne Pidutti collected them and is shipping them down.

I just felt I had to do something.- Joanne Pidutti

"I was in my bed, cozy and warm and reading my iPad. I have the CBC app. I was reading that story. I was really, really saddened by it and I just felt I had to do something," Pidutti said. "I immediately got out of bed. I [had] to start texting people and calling people. It was so sad I couldn’t forget about it."

Pidutti worked the phones, calling family, friends and coworkers. Her son put a call out on Facebook.

They gathered 37 pairs of boots and several coats, scarves and pairs of mittens and gloves.

"A lot of boots are going out to the bus station," Pidutti said. "I got 37. I was hoping to get more but a lot of people I contacted were away."

Street Help is also sorting through about 50 bags filled with winter coats, scarves, hats and mittens donated by Windsor residents.

"It’s dangerously cold and they need it," Pidutti said.