An old, unworn coat taking up space in a closet could be keeping someone warm this winter.
St. Vincent de Paul and Art Van Furniture have teamed up to collect these coats for people in need.
Today, the partnership kicked off Operation Coat Check.
New or gently used coats for children and adults can be dropped off at any Art Van location through Feb. 11.
This is the first year that St. Vincent de Paul and Art Van are partnering for the initiative.
"They've been such a strong community supporter of St. Vincent de Paul and other nonprofits in the region that we just felt this was a natural fit," said St. Vincent de Paul spokesperson Michelle St. Pierre.
She says with the frigid winter temperatures dropping, the need for coats in the Detroit area is greater than ever.
"Greater numbers of families are coming to us because they have to decide to heat their homes, feed their families, buy prescriptions or give their children new warm coats that fit," St. Pierre said.
St. Pierre says many people in the Metro Detroit area have asked what they can do and how they can help, and this is the answer.
"We're just asking the community: 'Here's a simple, easy way that you can partner to make a huge difference in the lives of families this cold winter,'" she said.
"Everyone deserves to have a winter coat to help keep them warm during Michigan's harsh winter months," Art Van president Gary Van Elslander said in a statement. "We are proud to partner with St. Vincent de Paul on Operation Coat Check to support those in need in our community."
- Paulette Parker, Michigan Radio Newsroom
