Farmingville, NY - Supervisor Ed Romaine (left) has announced that the Brookhaven Town Youth Bureau’s 2017 Coat Drive collected 5,000 coats, as well as many pairs of winter boots, hats, gloves and scarves. The items, generously donated by residents, have been distributed to a number of churches, shelters, agencies and Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Posts throughout the Town. The coats will be given directly to the homeless and families in need. This year’s coat drive ran from January 10 to February 10. Pictured with Supervisor Romaine and Councilmember Dan Panico (second from left) are New York State VFW Commander Dennis Sullivan and Rocky Point VFW Post 6249 Commander Joe Cognitore, who were at Town Hall to collect hundreds of coats, hats, gloves and scarves to distribute to veterans in need and their families.
“This coat drive has helped thousands of people and the donations we collected will help hundreds of veterans and their families stay warm this winter,” said Joe Congnitore, Commander of VFW Post 6249. “We want to thank Supervisor Romaine and the Youth Bureau for organizing this excellent drive and the residents of Brookhaven for their heartwarming donations.”
Supervisor Romaine said, “So many people in need will stay warm this winter because of the overwhelming generosity of Brookhaven residents. I commend our Youth Bureau for the work that they do all year to help make life better for those less fortunate.”
Councilmember Panico said, "The simple act of donating a used coat will go a long way in helping to keep people warm during the cold winter months. We are grateful for the overwhelming support we received from our residents and commend our Youth Bureau on yet another successful coat drive."
“The cold winter temperatures can be dangerous, especially for children and seniors who do not have the proper clothing to keep them warm,” said Councilmember Michael Loguercio, the Town Council liaison to the Youth Bureau. “I commend the efforts of the Youth Bureau staff and thank our residents for making the coat drive such a success.”