AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, is collecting winter coats and other winter clothing items to donate to residents in need during the week of Nov. 15 through Nov. 19.

“Many families in our community do not have the resources to use for new clothing items each year to keep them warm in the winter months, especially with the financial hardships brought on by the pandemic,” said Hernandez. “No family should have to risk their health because they cannot afford the proper clothing and protection during the cold winter months, so I am committed to advancing a legislative agenda that provides proper funding for public benefit programs, and truly addresses the issues of homelessness and housing insecurity to help families most in need.”

Hernandez is coordinating her winter clothing drive with Good Morning Aurora and Alive Aurora. Items needed include new or gently used winter coats, socks, long underwear, jackets, scarves, gloves, mittens, hats and snow boots. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Rep Hernandez’s District Office, 540 W. Galena Blvd., from Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Good Morning Aurora, 5 E. Downer Pl. Suite T, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Alive Aurora, 78 S. LaSalle St., on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2:45 p.m. – 6 p.m.

“Many people enjoy the winter months and holiday seasons, but for some members of the community it can be a time of hardship,” said Hernandez. “I want to help eliminate any distress and allow every resident to have a safe and warm holiday season. I hope that residents who are able to donate will consider giving clothing items for a family in need.”

For more information, please contact Hernandez’s constituent services office at 630-270-1848 or email RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com.

DES PLAINES, Ill. – In preparation for the cold winter months ahead, State Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is announcing that his office will partake in a coat drive through the holidays to help those in need.

“With the holiday season right around the corner and the cold winter months ahead, we must do all we can to help those less fortunate,” Moylan said. “That is why I will be hosting a coat drive at my office through the holidays.”

The coat drive will begin Monday, December 17th and go through the New Year until January 11th. Moylan asks that the coats be in fair condition and for those donating to check all the pockets before dropping them off at the office.

In addition to coats, Moylan’s office will accept hats, scarves and gloves. The donations will be given to local charities and organizations to be distributed to those in need. All sizes are welcome, especially old children’s items that are no longer being used.

Moylan’s office is located at 24 S. Des Plaines River Road, in Des Plaines. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“I encourage those who are fortunate enough to buy or receive new winter coats, gloves, scarves or hats to donate their old winter items they may not be using instead of throwing them out this season,” Moylan said. “We will be glad to accept the items you donate and will make sure they are put to good use.”

For more information about the coat drive, or for any questions to set up a time to drop off a donation, please contact Moylan’s full-time constituent office at (847) 635-6821 or email StateRepMoylan@gmail.com.

Schaumburg, Ill. – State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is asking residents to donate used winter coats at her district office, located at 15 W. Weathersfield Way in Schaumburg, to disadvantaged families in the northwest suburbs. Mussman is collecting both child- and adult-sized gently used coats throughout the month of April.

“If you took advantage of those great end of season clearance sales to get a new coat, I encourage you to think about donating any surplus winter coats while doing your spring cleaning,” Mussman said. “Drop them off at my district office in Schaumburg any time this month and they won’t be taking up space in your closet until next winter!”

Mussman is partnering with the Woodfield Area Children’s Organization, a nonprofit group dedicated to creating positive childhood memories and providing basic needs, along with educational support, for children living at or below poverty level in Chicago’s northwest suburbs. Mussman is also working with area businesses to collect and clean gently used coats.

“If possible, it would be helpful to wash any jacket that may need to be cleaned before donating,” Mussman said. “However, Corinium Cleaners of Schaumburg has stepped up to help our community by offering to clean donated coats before they are given to families in need.”

For more information, please contact Mussman’s constituent service office at (847) 923-9104 or by email at StateRepMussman@gmail.com.