What a turnout! When Heartland Credit Union began this coat drive, we were hoping to help Neighbors, Inc. fill a need in our communities – and boy did our communities respond! From October 15 through November 16, citizens in Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul and West St. Paul donated over 400 coats to Neighbors!

According to John Kemp, the director at Neighbors, the last time they did a coat drive was about three years ago – so there was a serious need this winter – highlighted by the fact that as quickly
as the coats have been coming in, they’ve been going right back out the door.

The customers and employees of the various businesses and organizations that served as drop-off sites for this project must be commended for their overwhelming generosity. These businesses include The Grove, Waterous Company, Pro Pharmacy, South Family YMCA, Old World Pizza, Black Sheep Café, First Calvary Baptist Church and Dunn Bros. A heartfelt thank you is in order -without their help we could not have seen this kind of success!

About Neighbors, Inc.:
With the help of its volunteers, Neighbors, Inc. strives to reduce poverty, promote self sufficiency, and build community. Neighbors is a non-profit, social-service agency serving Northern Dakota County. Primarily through the services of more than 500 volunteers and 34 faith communities, Neighbors provides 14 emergency assistance and supportive assistance programs to over 15,000 people. Visit www.neighborsmn.org for more information about Neighbors, Inc.

Heartland President Pam O'Connell