October 4, 2018 Donna Douglass, Outreach Coordinator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE St. Leo’s Parish

2410 S. Blaine
Grand Island, NE 68801
(308) 382-4753
(308) 390-9818 (cell)

ANNUAL COAT DRIVE HAS A NEW PARTNER

The Human Concerns Committee at St. Leo’s Parish and Continuum of Care service agencies are collecting
new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and boots of all sizes. The coats will be distributed free of charge to
people in need on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018.

Donna Douglass, Outreach Coordinator at St. Leo’s Parish, said the event has been a great success over the past
14 years. Last year, 2,090 coats were collected and 1,344 were distributed.

“We are blessed to have such a giving community," Douglass said. "Their generosity is what makes this event
possible."

Douglass said she is excited that Raising Canes will be participating in the coat drive again this year and serving
as a drop site. In addition, Raising Canes will generously be offering coupons to those who donate coats.

New or gently used coats, hats, gloves and mittens can be dropped off at the following sites: Raising Canes, all
U-Save Pharmacy locations, both Super Saver stores, HyVee, the YMCA, the YMCA Express, the YWCA, and
St. Leo’s Church.

The past 14 years have shown a great need for children’s coats of all sizes, and especially XXL and larger adult
coats.

Liz Mayfield, Executive Director of Hope Harbor Homeless Shelter, said that the coat give-away is helpful to
their residents. “Every year we are grateful for St. Leo’s Community Coat Drive. Without it, many of Hope
Harbor’s residents would be without proper winter gear. The coat drive is well organized and a huge resource
for those in need in our community.”

Distribution will be from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at St. Leo’s Church, located at 2410 S. Blaine
Street, Grand Island. Coats left over will be donated to the Seventh Day Adventist Church for its free monthly
clothing give-away the last Sunday of each month.

During the same time, Project Connect will be at the Evangelical Free Church just down the street. Project
Connect offers services from social services to dental care to haircuts. Also, The Church of Christ on Stolley
Park Road will be giving away clothing as they do every Thursday.

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*Best times for video or pictures are the early hours of the coat give-away, especially when the doors open at 10 a.m.