Delaware troopers spread warmth with coats

by Robin Brown, Wilmington News Journal, February 26, 2010
Used with permission

Members of the Delaware State Police hit the streets of Wilmington the end of February, armed with dozens of coats. Then they gave them away.

Some people who shied away from the arriving squad car happily returned when asked if anyone needed a free winter coat.

“Today, we saw the look of relief on some of the faces of the people who received a coat because they knew that – maybe for once in quite some time – they would not be cold tonight,” said Col. Robert M. Coupe, state police superintendent.

“Some of the individuals receiving coats were homeless, some down on their luck, and others simply very cold because they are unable to dress appropriately for the weather,” said Sr. Cpl. Jeff Whitmarsh.

The coats were collected in an annual donation drive at Troop 2 in Glasgow.

Donors included troopers and citizen employees, their families, community supporters, and members of the Citizens Police Academy. While the drive in recent years has sought gently worn coats, some of the 2009-10 citizens’ academy members “went so far beyond cleaning out their closets,” Whitmarsh said. “They went out to stores and bought new ones to give.”

The annual drive also helps shelters and community groups.

Coupe said such efforts let troopers and citizens “partner together and make a difference in the lives of those in need, also, in a way that does not involve traditional police work.”

The giveaway ended the annual project. “The coat closet is empty now, as all of the donated garments we received this winter have been passed out,” Whitmarsh said. The next coat drive will be in the fall.

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