Pa. man collects coats for veterans, others in need

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — “One coat means one particular person will probably be hotter on a chilly night time,” stated Joe Krause from Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.

It is a mission assertion he is adopted for 18 years since founding Krausey’s Koat Drive. The annual assortment was impressed by his late father-in-law and obtained its begin throughout a broadcast at a Philadelphia Eagles sport when Krause labored for 102.9 WMGK. That first yr, they collected 333 coats.

Since then, he has scheduled his outreach in sync with the Philadelphia Eagles schedule. It additionally traces proper up with the winter holidays.

“This yr I will surpass in totality over 300,000 coats,” stated Krause.

He depends on particular person donations in addition to assist from native unions, nonprofits, and colleges. Then, donations are made at shelters, on the streets, and in communities like Brith Sholom Home in Philadelphia.

The 55+ residence group has a robust veteran presence and has been instrumental in serving to these like UESF licensed housing inspector Dorothy Owens-Myers discover a place for housing–insecure veterans.

“I housed roughly 9-10 veterans right here at Brith Sholom,” she stated. “The necessity outdoors of coats and socks is a landlord that is going to offer them a second likelihood.”

Brith Sholom additionally creates group occasions, like at the moment’s vacation lunch, with the assist of the close by Sharon Baptist Church. And naturally, in addition they hosted Krausey’s Koat Drive at the moment.

One coat recipient, Marine Corps Veteran Rico Hunter, was shocked by the entire thing.

“I am grateful as a result of I did not ask for it,” he stated. “It was a blessing that all of us want.”

Talking of want, Krause says he can use all of the coat donations he can get this yr.

“I attempt to fill what requests I get, however I will by no means have sufficient,” he stated. “However the excellent news is we do what we will to assist these within the second after which put together for our subsequent assortment.”

To learn to assist Krausey’s Koat Drive, go to their Fb web page.

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