Hundreds of Winter Jackets Donated to the United Way

First Annual Holiday Coat drive at Lenny's Shoe & Apparel Huge Success

WILLISTON, VT - Lenny's Shoe & Apparel has collected over 800 coats and winter accessories for the United Way during their first annual Holiday Coat Drive.

"We wanted to find a way to extend the spirit of giving this holiday season," explained Todd McCarthy, co-owner of Lenny's Shoe & Apparel. "We formed a community partnership with the United Way and created the Holiday Coat Drive with a mission to help keep our neighbors warm this winter."

Though the month of December, customers brought gently used coats and winter accessories to Lenny's stores. Each week, the coats were professionally dry cleaned, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of Gadue's Dry Cleaning. The coats were then disbursed to United Way branches across Vermont and Clinton County New York. Through their partnership with local non-profits, the United Way is distributing the coats to community members in need.

"The generosity of our customers far exceeded our expectations," said McCarthy. "A few local businesses, including Falcon Pluming, asked their employees to bring coats for donation to their holiday parties. It's heartwarming to see the community come together and support one another."