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St. Vincent de Paul kicks off its winter coat distributions; donate coats, contribute $$, volunteer


St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky recently kicked off its 20th year of providing winter coats to adults and children in need. A warm winter coat is something that many may take for granted. However, not having the means to purchase a coat to protect against the harsh winter elements is a reality for many neighbors.

Every year the St. Vincent de Paul Call Center is flooded with requests for winter coats. St. Vincent de Paul coat distributions are right around the corner to make sure that no one should have to brave the cold winter without a proper coat.

To prepare for these distributions, St. Vincent de Paul in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati are collecting new and gently used coats as well as hats, gloves/mittens and scarves to distribute to local families in need.

WLWT, WARM 98.5 and Gold Star are partners in this effort.To make it even easier this year, people can donate from the comfort of their home at GoldStarChili.com – a donation of $35 will allow SVdP to purchase a new coat to be distributed. As a thank you, donors will receive a Gold Star coupon.
 
Despite the obstacles to host distribution events last year due to COVID-19, just over 2,000 coats were distributed in the Greater Cincinnati region through voucher redemptions at St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores.

This year, St. Vincent de Paul is happy to report a return to distribution events at locations throughout the region, with three planned in Northern Kentucky in December.

With the return of in person distribution events, St. Vincent de Paul expects to distribute 4,000 coats this year, 2,000 alone in Northern Kentucky.

Distribution of coats to neighbors in need in Northern Kentucky will take place on:

• Saturday, December 4th from 9 a.m.-noon at Newport Primary School in Newport.

• Saturday, December 18th from 9 a.m.-noon at Life Learning Center in Covington and Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Florence.

“A warm winter coat can be a luxury for families living paycheck to paycheck. We are excited to return to our traditional distribution days, providing the opportunity to choose a coat more accessible to neighbors across the region,” said Karen Zengel, Executive Director of SVdP in Northern Kentucky.

You can donate coats at any St. Vincent de Paul thrift store.

You can also look for barrels with the St. Vincent de Paul, WLWT, WARM 98.5 and Gold Star stickers throughout Greater Cincinnati.

There is a particular need for children and plus size adult coats.

For a complete list of participating drop off locations or to donate online to help purchase new coats, go to www.svdpnky.org. Online donations are also accepted at GoldStarChili.com.
 
Volunteers are also welcome and needed to help make the coat distributions a success. To volunteer in Northern Kentucky, please contact Mark Bradley at 859-426-2649 or mark.bradley@svdpnky.org.


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