More than a dozen people from the Newburgh community visited the Desmond Center for Community Engagement and Wellness’s Coat Drive at Mount Saint Mary College on Saturday, February 10.
Participants left with bags full of coats and other winter necessities such as gloves, scarves, socks, and shoes. For example, a local woman who had lost her belongings in a fire two weeks prior received several bags of jackets, clothing, and other items, noted Anita Kapiti, Project Support Coordinator for the Desmond Center.
“She expressed heartfelt appreciation for this event,” Kapiti added.
In total, approximately 30 coats were distributed throughout the event.
Robert Rolison, a New York State Senator, attended the event to show his support for the initiative. The senator donated a coat and enjoyed a short tour of the Desmond Center space.
Members of the Mount’s Student Athlete Association members lent their aid to the project as well, helping to set it up, assist attendees, and break down the event once it was over.
Any leftover food was packaged in to-go containers and distributed on Broadway in Newburgh.
The Desmond Center provides wellness and educational services for underserved individuals and families. The center offers accessible and equitable educational, health, and wellness services for community members and families in the local area.