Annual coat drive delivers warmth to those in need this holiday season

If you headed into a local Naperville business in October and November, you likely saw a box being filled with more winter coats and accessories by the day. Area businesses once again helped collect coats, hats, scarves and gloves for those in need as part of The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise's 22nd Annual Winter Coat Drive.

Past drives have supported a wide variety of local organizations, including Hesed House and the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. The 2020 clothing drive benefitted Sharing Connections and 360 Youth Services, which provides housing and support services to young adults, 18-24 years old, who were previously homeless, and teenage boys, ages 13-17, who are unable to live with their families.

"The Rotary has always looked to where the need is in the community and worked tirelessly to fill that need," said Deb Newman, spokeswoman for The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise. "We were thrilled to be able to provide necessary winter gear to the youth in our community who need it most."

In total, about 500 coats and additional winter accessories including hats, scarves and gloves were collected across Naperville. Once the drive ended, The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise partnered with Gerald Subaru of Naperville to sort and deliver the apparel. These two organizations have had a long-standing partnership and Newman said support from Gerald dealerships is what allows events like the annual coat drive to take place.

360 Youth Services had specific size and apparel needs and Gerald Subaru of Naperville employees took extra time to sort through all the donations to package up a delivery that fit their requirements. Alec McKean of Gerald Auto Group said that the everyone in the Gerald Auto Group family was blown away by the sheer volume of donations and the quality of the items given to the cause.

"It was amazing to see the outpouring of support from the community in the number of coats, hats and scarves donated and purchased for this event," said McKean. "So many people donated apparel in excellent condition or went out of their way to purchase a new coat for someone in need. It's outstanding how the community comes together year after year to support this initiative."

To learn more about The Rotary Club of Naperville Sunrise, visit https://napervillesunrise.clubexpress.com.