Trystin McGuire, of Hatfield, with his donations from last year. (Credit: Janel Conrad)
Dropoff locations include Lansdale Tavern, Poppy's Tavern, and Bagel Barn Cafe in New Britain.
When her 7-year-old son Trystin McGuire walked into their Hatfield kitchen one night last year, wearing his backpack, with tears down his face, Janel Conrad did not know what to think.
When she asked him where he was headed at his bedtime with a backpack filled with coloring books, crayons, clothing and lollipops, he replied, through tears, “I want to help others in need.”
Thus, a new compassionate family – and community – tradition was born.
From now until Nov. 27, McGuire and his family are holding their 2nd annual warm clothing drive for the less fortunate at three area dropoff locations in Montgomery and Bucks counties: Lansdale Tavern, Poppy’s Tavern in Hatfield Borough, and Bagel Barn Café in New Britain Township.
This year, McGuire is requesting new clothing items for men, women and children: Backpacks, socks, winter hats, gloves, scarves, jackets, coats and blankets.
You can find donation boxes at all three locations.
Conrad said her son is an average, all-around second-grader that enjoys wrestling, soccer, baseball, his family and pets – who has a heart of gold to help others in need.
“Last year, we donated everything to Jenna’s Blessing Bags,” Conrad said, who had the opportunity with her family last year to go meet the late Jenna Burleigh’s mom at its Kulpsville location to drop off all the items that were kindly donated and help build bags for the homeless.
Trystin McGuire, left, and sister Abigayle. (Credit: Janel Conrad)Burleigh, a junior film and media arts major at Temple University, was murdered at age 22 in August 2017 by former student Joshua Hupperterz in his 16th Street apartment. Hupperterz was sentenced to life in prison.
According to the organization’s site, Burleigh was a daughter, sister, cousin, friend, activist and artist.
“She was truly someone special who worked to spread good vibes to everyone she met. Jenna lived every day 100% proud of who she was. Unlike most people who strive to fit into societal norms, Jenna was unapologetically herself. Jenna’s life was a work of art. Each day started as a blank canvas that she painted beautifully with kindness, love, and acceptance,” said the website.
Trystin McGuire, 7, of Hatfield. (Credit: Janel Conrad)Her family launched Jenna’s Blessing Bags in her memory, as Burleigh was an agent for social change and supported the homeless with kindness and compassion.
Lansdale Tavern is located at 839 W. Main St., Lansdale. It is open daily 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Poppy’s Tavern is located at 64 E. Lincoln Ave., Hatfield. It is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and Noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Bagel Barn Café is located at 4275 County Line Road in the New Britain Village Square shopping center (GPS: Chalfont). It is open Tuesday-Saturday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
