October 9, 2020
Media Contacts:
Mark Miller, Administrator, Office of Public Information, 410-313-2022
Valerie Mathis, Manager, Howard County Multi-Service Center, 410-313-0220
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services will host its 10th annual coat giveaway for residents on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the North Laurel 50 + Center lower Park Pavilion, located at 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd. in Laurel beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Coats for residents of all ages will be provided through a socially distanced, grab & go format while supplies last. Face masks will be required for all participating residents and volunteers. Due to COVID-19, the coats may not be tried on.
“This year has been immensely challenging for all our residents, and we know how many difficult decisions families are facing when it comes to how to purchase groceries, pay bills, and ensure they have warm clothing for the coming winter. We are pleased to welcome the support of Howard County residents who have donated coats for their neighbors, and once again demonstrated a level of caring and community investment that is without comparison,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “While we are carefully and responsibly staging events like these to continue invaluable outreach to our friends and families in need, we are grateful that volunteers and stakeholders have remained engaged in collective kindness and action.”
"As many families work hard to return to a sense of normalcy, we’re honored to be a partner in supporting their efforts in meaningful ways, as they try to put their lives back together”, said Jacqueline R. Scott, Director of the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. "As we continue to expand our community outreach profile through addressing food access, clothing, childcare and housing needs, we recognize that an item like a warm coat is one less burden for a child or family, and a big step towards keeping them safe and healthy in these challenging times.”
For more information about the coat drive, contact Valerie Mathis at 410-313-0220. (voice/relay)