A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

St. Vincent de Paul distributing coats to those in need on Jan. 5, offering transportation, seeking volunteers


No one should have to be cold this winter. This is the mantra of St. Vincent de Paul’s annual coat drive and distribution.

St. Vincent de Paul – Northern Kentucky wants to make it as easy as possible for those struggling to have access to warm winter gear. 

Thanks to the help of community partners in collecting, hosting and transporting, St. Vincent de Paul will be distributing new and gently used coats, and other warm winter gear to local families in need on January 5 from 9 a.m.-noon at the Life Learning Center (LLC) in Covington and Cristo Rey Church in Florence.
 
This year’s second coat distribution at the Life Learning Center has another benefit – free transportation.

The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK), St. Henry District High School, and Welcome House will provide free rides to the LLC. Jack Alig, the president of St. Vincent de Paul at Cathedral Basilica in Covington, has worked hard to create partnerships and organize the logistics for the coat distribution at LLC.

“We wanted to try a different approach this year in order to assist even more people than in the past.  Partnering with these organizations will go a long way to serve our community,” said Alig.
 
TANK will make routes 7, 8 and 33 free during event hours for people to ride to the Life Learning Center.

“TANK touches the community every day by providing a much-needed transportation link to jobs and community services, such as the coat distribution event. TANK is proud to partner with St. Vincent de Paul to provide free transportation on select routes for this event,” said TANK Deputy GM Gina Douthat. 

In addition to TANK routes, St. Henry District High School’s van will run between the Emergency Shelter of NKY and LLC. Welcome House will also provide transportation to and from the LLC.
 
Scarf It Up For Those In Need has again donated additional hats, gloves/mittens and scarves this year. 

“The partnership we experience as part of this effort is amazing. 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 helping these families with one less worry, one less expense for the winter season,” commented Executive Director Karen Zengel.
 
Due to the generosity of the local community, St. Vincent de Paul NKY distributed almost 1,000 donated coats to children and adults last winter. This year they have already distributed over 650 coats, with the January 5 distribution at LLC and Cristo Rey still to come.
 
To receive a coat, you must bring some form of ID for each adult, proof of guardianship of children (birth certificates, medical cards, Social Security cards, or court documents.)

Everyone wishing to receive a coat must be present.
 
To volunteer in Northern Kentucky or for coat distribution questions, please contact Victoria Peterson at 859-446-7721 or email victoria.peterson@svdpnky.org


Related Posts

Leave a Comment