Owen County EMS seeks coat donations for first annual coat drive

Owen County EMS (OCEMS) is hosting a coat drive to collect clean, gently worn, or new coats between the hours of 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday, beginning Monday, Oct. 18, through Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021. Area residents are invited to make a difference in our local community by donating to the coat drive and helping OCEMS reach its goal of collecting 150 coats.

“We are excited about our upcoming coat drive and invite the community to participate and support our efforts,” said Owen County EMS Administrator Dan Brenyo. “Because of the ongoing economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for coats this fall and winter will be greater than ever before. All of the coats we collect will be distributed in our community and help our neighbors stay safe and warm this winter.”

OCEMS Emergency Medical Technician Paige Lucas-Jamiel is heading up the effort with the support of all OCEMS staff. Donations may also include clean, gently used hats, gloves, and scarves.

Donations may be dropped off in the bins placed outside the OCEMS station, 208 E. Blanton St., Owenton, any time between 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Saturday only.

"As first responders, we often see the hardships local families endure," Lucas-Jamiel said. "The pandemic has increased the burden for many, and this coat drive is our way of saying, 'We see you, and we're here for you in more ways than one.'"

Once collected, OCEMS will deliver the items to the Owen County Youth Services Center for distribution among local students and their adult family members in need.

“We’re grateful to Paige and all the EMS employees for heading up this project for our community,” said Owen County Judge/Executive Casey Ellis. "Thanks to the efforts of Owen County EMS, many people in this community will be warm this winter.”