American Labor Extends Helping Hand with Coat Drive

Many families across Southern New England cannot afford a winter coat. With bills and rising expenses to blame, it is estimated that 15 percent of Americans will not buy a coat because it is considered a ‘budget extra.’ To help our neighbors stay warm, American Labor Services has started a coat drive that will benefit our neediest employees, their families, and the community-at-large.

“Some of our employees are the only earners in their household, and most of their income goes towards purchasing essential items for their family,” said Ben Kaplan, President of American Labor. “Our coat drive will help ease the financial burden some of our team members are feeling as we head into the coldest months of the year.”

American Labor has encouraged its staff to donate any winter garments they are not planning on using anymore. Employees at each American Labor site will have a place to donate their gently used coats, which will be available for any team member who may need them.

Organizations and other people who would like to become involved in the coat drive can donate coats at their nearest American Labor site. Coats that are not removed from the racks will be donated to a charitable organization in Rhode Island or Massachusetts to help other individuals from low income backgrounds.

“A winter coat should be the last thing people have to think about when they leave their home for work. We want our team members to understand that they have a community that cares about them, and is concerned about their wellbeing,” Kaplan said. “By taking care of this necessity, American Labor is giving employees the opportunity to focus on other equally important parts of their lives like buying Christmas presents for their loved ones.”

Coats will be collected through Friday, Dec. 21. American Labor locations include:

• 60 School Street, Brockton, Mass.
• 1530 Pleasant Street, Fall River, Mass.
• 515 Smith Street, Providence, R.I.
• 7448 Post Road, North Kingston, R.I.

For more information about the coat drive, please call 844-967-5257.