Just days before the first snowflakes of the season arrived in northern Illinois, State Senator Don DeWitte (R-St. Charles) delivered 235 new or gently used winter coats to four local agencies that work with families in need.
Senator DeWitte’s 2023 Winter Coat Drive was his most successful yet, as those living in the 33rd District overwhelmingly supported this year’s drive. “The response exceeded all expectations, and I am delighted to know that children, teens, and adults who did not have proper outerwear heading into the cold months will now be warm,” DeWitte said. “The generosity of the people in the 33rd District never ceases to amaze me.
Coat collection bins were placed at several locations throughout the 33rd District in Kane and McHenry Counties over a two-week period in early October, and once they were all collected and sorted, the entire front room of DeWitte’s West Dundee office was filled with donations. Agencies that received the coats this year included Kids in Need-McHenry County, Elgin Wayside Center, Lazarus House in St. Charles, and the Salvation Army.
“Everyone deserves to be warm and comfortable during the cold winter months, and it was a privilege to partner with these community agencies, which all expressed a need for warm coats that could be given to families in need,” added DeWitte. “I cannot thank those who donated coats enough for making this year’s coat drive our best yet. We actually still have coats trickling into my West Dundee office, so there is still time to donate a new or gently used coat. We will ensure any coats we still collect find their way to a family that can use them.”
For additional information about donating a new or gently used coat, please contact Senator DeWitte’s legislative office at (847) 214-8245.