‘Coats for the Cold’ kicks off Sunday

With cooler weather setting in, it’s time again for the annual “Coats for the Cold” coat drive in Oakland County.

This is the 33rd year for the drive, which accepts donations of new or gentlyused, clean coats and jackets to be distributed to those in need.

“Coats for the Cold is a good way to help someone less fortunate stay warm this winter,” Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard stated in a news release.

The coat drive is a partnership of the sheriff’s office, Genisys Credit Union, Real Estate One, McKenzie Moving and 1-800-Self-Storage.

“With the needs of the community being so great, we are asking folks to give generously this year. We want to fill up every drop box with coats and get them to those who need them,” Bouchard added.

The coat drive kicks off this Sunday, Nov. 1 and runs through Nov. 30. There are dozens of drop-off locations throughout the county, listed at www.oaklandsheriff.com in the Community Services section and on the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. As in prior years, 1- 800- Self- Storage.com is providing boxes for coat drop-offs around the county, as well as locations in Troy and Oak Park where donations will be accepted. All Oakland County branches of Genisys Credit Union and real Estate One offices are also drop-off sites again this year. Items donated for the coat drive will be given to charitable organizations for distribution.