Nearly 4,000 coats, jackets donated to Coats for the Cold
Close to 4,000 new and gently-used coats and jackets are on their way to the community’s kids and adults in need, thanks to the 33rd annual Oakland County Sheriff’s Office “Coats for the Cold” coat drive.
On Dec. 4, volunteers were on-hand to help representatives from charities throughout the county fill their agencies’ trucks and vans with bags of the donated items for those who need them.
“We’re excited to be able, in these challenging times, to not only continue the program but to service people in the community,” said Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.
The annual drive typically collects “north of 3,000” coats and jackets, Bouchard added, but this year’s surpassed that.
“I’m pretty excited about it,” he said. “This is one thing that’s always inspiring, where the best people come out looking for ways to help other people. A lot of people got involved.”
This year’s Coats for the Cold enlisted help from dozens of volunteers, who took over the work that trustees and other inmates from the Oakland County Jail usually do. The inmates weren’t used this year because of COVID-19 restrictions and concerns about moving them out and back
into the jail, Bouchard said.
John Lyman of the Rochester Hills Fire Department was among the approximately 80 volunteers. “We know there are lots of people in need, especially with Covid-19. When the weather gets cold, we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to have a warm coat,” he said.
Agencies receiving the outerwear included Ladies of Charity St. Hugo Clothes Closet, Baldwin Church and Center, Matchan Nutrition Center and St. Vincent DePaul Church, Neighborhood House, Open Door Outreach Center, Woodside Bible Church, Oakland Schools and more.
Ryan Russell, pastor of Woodside Bible Church in Pontiac, said the church’s doors are within walking distance for 2,000 residents of the east side of the city, who will be invited to stop by and get what they need. They’re all considered part of the church family, he said.
“Everything we do goes back to the family — strong families mean strong communities,” Russell said.
Russell also commended Bouchard and all those who contribute to the annual coat year’s drive.
“It’s always great, (thanks to) Sheriff Bouchard and the residents of Oakland County,” he said.