WESTPORT, Connecticut — The annual “Share the Warmth” Coat Drive continues in Westport this month and next.
The initiative is a partnership between the Westport Fire Department and the Bridgeport Rescue Mission and seeks donations of new or gently used and clean winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves and snow suits.
Through Nov. 12, donations will be collected at the Westport Fire Headquarters at 515 Post Rd. East, the Westport Senior Center at 21 Imperial Ave. and Westport Town Hall at 11 Myrtle Ave. Organizers said collection boxes will be placed at several public schools around town as well.
Once the items are collected, they will be sorted by Westport firefighters and taken to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, which provides meals, groceries, clothing, residential living and other resources for anyone suffering from poverty, addiction or homelessness.
As cold weather lies ahead, the Westport Fire Department encourages the community to help keep their neighbors warm this winter.
“This drive impacts hundreds of men, women and children from some of the area’s most distressed neighborhoods. A coat may seem simple, but it’s essential for many children and adults in nearby communities,” Westport Fire Chief Nick Marsan said.
Programs and services provided by the Bridgeport Rescue Mission are free of charge, granting residents in need an opportunity for hope and an avenue for change.
Westport Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Lenois is president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation. He stressed the importance of the community effort that is needed to make a difference.
“This drive allows us to give back and ease the burden on local families. Last year, thanks to the generosity of the community, we distributed over 1,350 coats,” Lenois said.
Westport resident and volunteer Anna Rycenga echoed Lenois’ message.
“Please join the Westport Fire Department and me this winter in supporting families in need. Many go without a warm coat, but together, we can make a meaningful difference by sharing the warmth – one coat at a time.”
For more information on the coat drive and how to help, one can contact Marsan at nmarsan@westportct.gov or reach the fire department at 203-341-5000.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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