Legislator Paul Thanks Community Supporters For Success Of This Year’s Winter Coat & Clothing Drive

More than 100 Coats Will Be Provided To Neighbors  In Need Through Together Our Unity Can Heal  (TOUCH)

 Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Dr. Aney Paul is ex pressing her gratitude after scores of residents stepped up and  donated coats and warm clothing for our neighbors. 

“Once again I am overwhelmed by the show of generosity on  the part of so many who contributed to the effort to help keep  our neighbors warm this winter,” Legislator Paul said. “These  donations will not only keep the cold out but will also let our  neighbors know that we realize they are going through challenging times and that we care about them.” 

The coat drive was done to benefit Together Our Unity Can Heal, or TOUCH, a community-based public health organization. TOUCH provides compassionate and effective services to our neighbors in the Hudson Valley, with a focus on humane and holistic services to persons living with chronic illness. 

TOUCH is the lead agency for Rockland Community Against Hunger and has been a Ryan White AIDS Service Organization  for more than 30 years. 

Julian Palmer, executive director of TOUCH, made sure the organization brought a van this year to ferry the 100-plus coats and the warm clothing to the nonprofit’s facility in Congers.  TOUCH, whose work leads to healthier individuals and stronger communities, will handle the distribution of the coats, as well as the other clothing that was donated. Adults and children  will receive the items. 

Among those contributing to the coat drive this year and de serving of special mention was Brightview Lake Tappan Senior Living in Orangeburg and their community sales directors, Denise Catalanotto and Jess Leatham, along with numerous Orangetown residents who contributed to Brightview’s collection, which was then donated to Legislator Paul’s larger effort. 

Also among those aiding the effort were members of the Clarkstown Lions’ Club Leos, the youth branch of the club, and Dr. Stanley John of Bethel Medical Associates in New City. 

“I am so appreciative of every person who took the time to check a closet, storage bin or drawer to see if they had an un used, but good condition coat or clothing and then went the extra step and donated the items,” Legislator Paul. “My sincerest  thanks to everyone who participated in this meaningful drive.” 

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 third consecutive year, TOUCH.