Winter Coat Drive Collects Over 1,200 Items for Community Members in Need

United Way of Westchester and Putnam (UWWP) and Westchester Library System (WLS) announced that their inaugural Winter Coat and Accessories Drive collected an impressive 680 coats and 537 accessories, totaling over 1,200 items to help keep community members warm this winter.

The donation drive, which ran for three weeks in October, engaged libraries across Westchester County as collection points, making it convenient for community members to participate. Donors contributed both new and gently used coats for all ages, along with new winter accessories, including hats, gloves, and socks. Volunteers from Regeneron, through a partnership with Volunteer New York, lent their time and effort to sort the collected coats as part of their eighth annual Day for Doing Good.

“United Way’s inaugural Winter Coat and Accessory Drive with our member libraries highlights the incredible impact of our library network and patrons coming together. Thanks to their generosity, we can make a real difference in our communities this winter,” added Terry Kirchner, Executive Director at Westchester Library System. 

The collected items will be distributed to individuals and families in need throughout Westchester County through UWWP’s network of nonprofit partners, ensuring these essential winter items reach those who need them most.

“The overwhelming response to our first winter coat drive demonstrates the incredible generosity of our community,” said Avery Zuvic, Director of Community Impact at UWWP. Through our partnership with the Westchester Library System and our nonprofit partners, we can ensure these 1,217 items will help keep our neighbors warm this winter season.”  

United Way of Westchester and Putnam and the Westchester Library System extend their heartfelt gratitude to all participating libraries, volunteers, and community members who contributed to the success of this initiative. Special thanks to the library staff who facilitated collections and the countless donors who made this drive possible through their generous contributions.