NKyTribune joins as sponsor of St. Vincent de Paul's annual coat drive for the needy; goal - 2500 coats - NKyTribune

Staff report

The Northern Kentucky Tribune is joining St. Vincent de Paul as a sponsor of its annual coat drive — and the goal is to collect 2500 coats to keep kids and adults warm this winter.

Kicking off the drive — and getting ready to roll out the barrels.

Just think: It’s a cold December morning, the windows are frosted and the thermostat is only set to 65 because Claire can’t afford a high heat bill. Claire has two growing children and affordable coats are hard to come by. Luckily, Claire is able to get two brand new coats for her kids at the St. Vincent de Paul coat distribution. Without the SVdP coat drive, Claire’s children would be left to wear too small of coats or be cold throughout the winter months. The simple pleasure of having a good-fitting winter coat or even a coat at all is something that many take for granted. The temperatures can get dangerously cold in our community. No one should have to suffer the cold fronts without a proper coat.

St. Vincent de Paul in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati have started collecting new and gently used coats, hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves to distribute to local families in need. In partnership, they are hosting a drive that runs through January 4th.

“A warm coat is something that many of us take for granted; however, not having a coat to protect us from the elements during winter is a harsh reality for many of our neighbors.

Karen Zengel

“We are blessed to live in a generous community where our neighbors help each other and do everything we can to make sure no one has to brave the cold without a coat. We appreciate the support for this important effort,” 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.

St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky distributed over 1,900 donated coats to children and adults during distribution days last winter.

This year’s goal is to distribute 2,500 coats.

“No child should be cold for lack of a warm coat,” said Judy Clabes, editor of the NKyTribune. “Organize your neighborhood to collect coats; get your neighbors to clean out their closets. We all have gently used coats that could be put to good use. Let’s do it.”

Look for the familiar barrels with the St. Vincent de Paul, Northern Kentucky Tribune, Warm 98.5, and WLWT ‘Winter Coat Drive’ stickers. They have been placed throughout NKY at over 100 locations including:

• Gold Star Chili restaurants,