NEW HAVEN--While the weather is expected to be milder than normal over the next couple of days, a community partnership in New Haven is not forgetting that there is a long, cold winter ahead.
The New Haven Police Department is a model for those across the country in developing a quality community policing connection. One of their initiatives this year, the Coats For Kids program, is in conjunction with the New Haven-based Knights of Columbus.
Lt. Sam Brown explained that he unwrapped the idea several weeks ago during another coat giveaway the Knights of Columbus was conducting. He explained to a representative of the Knights how the police department could further expand their mission warm those in need.
“I said there is a great need in the city for children and people, who don't have coats,” recalls Brown, who is the district manager of the Dixwell neighborhood police substation.
The New Haven Police Department has already received 300 coats to hand out to folks in need. The donations are completely at each officer's discretion.
“As we go out into the neighborhoods, we assess the need,” said Brown. Some cops, including Brown, carry coats in their trunks.
And they’re not used coats. The Knights of Columbus receives preferred pricing and buys in bulk. The organization has handed out over 4,000 coats to needy Connecticut residents already this calendar year.
On Monday, Santa's sleigh, disguised as Brown’s cruiser, pulled into the parking lot at the Wexler-Grant Community School, where Brown's inside elves identified a need.
“You know what, I got coats here,” smiled Brown, who surprised five young students, with new winter wear.
One girl screeched to another, "Look at my hood. And you have one too." Both bounced up and down hugging one another.
“It's extremely rewarding,” said Brown, who has three children. “Look how genuine the smiles are. They're genuinely happy and they're appreciative of the gift that they just received.”
Kristina DeNegre, the assistant principal of the school, was also very appreciative.
“At this time of year, when our families are in great, dyer need, it's critical that we have supporters like the New Haven Police Department,” said DeNegre.
