Libertyville Rotary, Zengeler Cleaners team for 'Coats for Vets' drive

Fall is here, and that means colder days and nights are right around the corner.

That's one reason Libertyville Rotary Sunrise has teamed up with Zengeler Cleaners' two Libertyville stores for their annual "Coats for Vets" collection drive. The event collects winter coats, jackets and other seasonal apparel for veterans throughout the northern Illinois area.

All types of clothing and accessories are needed during the drive. According to Tom Zengeler, president of Zengeler Cleaners, "Our vets are in need of blankets, gloves, hats and other seasonal apparel, in addition to coats and jackets. Please take a few minutes to look through your closet and donate items our vets need so badly.

"The need for donations increases every year; we can only meet those needs with the help of generous individuals in the community. Please help us make this year's drive more successful than ever.

"When you think back to last winter, imagine having to brave the cold and snow without having the right clothing," Zengeler said.

"This is an especially challenging time for veterans who have difficulty finding meaningful work when their service time is up, particularly for those who served in combat zones. Libertyville Rotary Sunrise has taken up this cause because they - and we - understand the need to support them.

"This is a small way to join hands and say 'thank you' to those who serve and protect so we can enjoy our way of life. Unfortunately, more veterans than ever are in need of jobs, food, clothing and housing."

Donations will be accepted through Thursday, Oct. 31. They can be given to any member of Libertyville Rotary Sunrise, or dropped off at either of Zengeler Cleaners' two Libertyville stores - 539 E. Park Ave. and 1401 Peterson Road - the official collection locations for the 2019 drive.

Once donations are gathered, the Zengeler team will inspect, repair as needed and clean every single item, then deliver the renewed items so they can be distributed in time for Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Libertyville Rotary Sunrise chapter was founded in 1987. Rotary International is a worldwide organization of businesses and professional leaders that provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and work to build peace and goodwill throughout the world.

Approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas worldwide. Tom Zengeler is an active Rotarian and charter member of Libertyville Rotary Sunrise. He is also president of Zengeler Cleaners and the fifth generation of Zengeler family leadership for the Midwest's oldest and largest cleaner.

For more information about the 2019 Coats for Vets drive, contact Tom Zengeler at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14, or visit www.zengelercleaners.com.

In addition to two Libertyville stores, Zengeler Cleaners has locations in Deerfield, Hubbard Woods, Northfield, Winnetka, Northbrook and Long Grove.