HQ coat drive warming up

Coats, hats, gloves, boots are piling up at police headquarters, all destined to keep those in need stay warm this winter.   

Kate Drummond was one of many members of the public to drop off coats that she gathered up by helping friends clean out their closets.

“I believe that we need to take care of each other, and when I have the ability to help someone, especially someone in my own community, then I’m going to do whatever I can to do so,” said the actress.

PHOTO: Kate Drummond

After hearing a cold weather alert she was looking for an opportunity to give out clothes she had gathered. The Toronto Police coat drive she noticed on social media inspired her to send out Tweets and Facebook on her own to call upon friends to see if they’re might be anything in their closet too. The result was a car full of clothes she delivered to 40 College St.

“It’s a tough time of year for a lot of people. And when we open our eyes to our community we can see there is so much need,” said Drummond, who uses the Twitter handle @Gotta_Be_K_D.

Const. Joanne Tawton, who organized the coat drive for the second year along with Duty Desk Operator Gary Long, said shelters are reporting a great need for winter coats.

“There are a lot of people that need help staying warm this winter,” said Tawton, who is once again overwhelmed at the generosity of Service members and the public alike.

The clothing will be distributed to shelters across the city.

Any gently used winter coats, gloves, scarves and toques can be dropped off in the decorated bins in the lobby of police headquarters at 40 College St. until Dec. 31 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.