Hawthorn Woods police collect coats for Midwest Veterans Closet

In honor and support of Veterans Day, the Hawthorn Woods Police Department partnered with the Lake County Sheriff's Office, the Veteran's Assistance Commission, and several other local law enforcement agencies and high schools to collect coats and outerwear for the Lake County Law Enforcement Veterans Coat Drive.

On Nov. 9, the Hawthorn Woods Police Department received such an outpouring of donations that they needed to be delivered using the police department's retired military Humvee vehicle.

"We invited the Hawthorn Woods community to join us in supporting our local veterans this winter," Police Chief Jennifer Paulus said. "We generously received at least 100 coats, along with numerous gloves, hats, socks, scarves and boots."

Paulus enlisted the assistance of Officer Mike Rossini with the delivery.

"I normally drive a regular patrol car," he said, "but we had so many donated items that they would have been impossible to fit. We needed the Humvee. I think that says a lot about the impact the Hawthorn Woods community has made to support our American heroes."

The donated items were delivered to the Midwest Veterans Closet, at 2323 Green Bay Road in North Chicago.

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