The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky has started collecting new and gently used coats, hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves to distribute to local families in need. The drive runs through January 5th.
“We have families who struggle to keep their children’s bellies full and their homes safe and warm. By providing a winter coat, we are able to help these families with one less worry, one less expense for the winter season,” said Executive Director Karen Zengel.
There is a particular need for children and plus size adult coats.
Scarf It Up For Those In Need will donate additional hats, gloves/mittens and scarves again this year.
Due to the generosity of the local community, St. Vincent distributed almost 1,000 donated coats to children and adults during distribution days last winter. This year’s goal is to distribute 3,000 coats in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.
Look for the barrels with the St. Vincent de Paul, Warm 98.5, and WLWT News 5 “5 Cares Coat Drive” banner and other sponsor logos.
Coats will be collected at over 100 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. including:
• Gold Star Chili restaurants.
• Kemba Credit Union branches.
• All Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store locations – Florence, Erlanger, and Falmouth.
• Fire departments in the following Northern Kentucky communities: Alexandria, Burlington, Covington, Edgewood, Erlanger, Florence, Ft. Thomas, Ft. Wright, Hebron, Independence, Taylor Mill, and Union.
• Select Northern Kentucky city buildings and schools
• For a complete list of participating drop off locations, go to svdpnky.org
Distribution of coats to the needy will take place on Saturday, December 1st from 9 a.m. to noon at the Newport Primary School in Newport and John G. Carlisle Elementary School in Covington; Saturday, January 5th from 9 a.m. to noon at the Life Learning Center in Covington and Cristo Rey Church in Florence; and Friday, November 2nd from 10-2 at the thrift store in Falmouth.
Volunteers are also welcome and needed to help make the program a success. To volunteer in Northern Kentucky, please contact Victoria Peterson at 859-446-7721 or email victoria.peterson@svdpnky.org
