Local Coat Drives Keep Rockland Residents Warm

This winter, two large coat drives have been held in Rockland County: one sponsored by Senator Bill Weber, the other sponsored by Rockland County Legislature Vice Chairwoman Aney Paul in partnership with public health organization TOUCH- Together Our Unity Can Heal.

“It was an honor to spearhead this effort and it was amazing to see so many people donate to their neighbors in need,” said Senator Bill Weber, whose coat drive donations (including gloves and hats) totaled over 1,200 pounds. “Thank you to all who donated, thank you to our partners who allowed us to place our donation bins at their locations, and thank you to our partners helping with the distribution.”

“Many of our neighbors face difficult struggles and could use our support during their challenging times,” Legislator Paul said when speaking of her own efforts. “A warm coat to wear during the cold winter months is one way we can help. It not only protects a person from the elements, but it’s a tangible expression of our love for our neighbors.”

Coats and winter-wear from Senator Weber’s drive were delivered to Konbit Neg Lakay at 16 East Church St., Spring Valley and to The Martin Luther King MultiPurpose Center at 110 Bethune Blvd, Spring Valley for distribution. In addition to his Nanuet office, collection bins were located at Clarkstown Town Hall, Town of Haverstraw Town Hall, Orangetown Town Hall, Ramapo Town Hall, Finkelstein Memorial Library, Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library – Garnerville,

Haverstraw King’s Daughters Public Library – Haverstraw, Nanuet Public Library, New City Library, Orangeburg Library, and West Nyack Free Library. For Legislator Paul’s drive, TOUCH, which provides compassionate and effective services to our neighbors in the Hudson Valley and whose work leads to healthier individuals and stronger communities, will handle the distribution of the coats, as well as the hats, gloves, sweaters and other clothing that was donated.

“This show of support is very much appreciated, and I know it will make a difference to our clients who need warm coats and clothing,” TOUCH Executive Director Julian Palmer said. “I want to thank everyone who took the time to donate and help their Rockland County neighbors.”

With the exception of 2020, Legislator Paul has sponsored a Winter Coat Drive annually since 2015, partnering with local social services agencies assisting Rockland County residents, including Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland, Helping Hands of Rockland, People to People, the Center for Safety & Change, and for the second consecutive year, TOUCH.