RED BANK: COATS, BABY ITEMS NEEDED

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Winter coats for people of all ages — and essentials for infants — are among the most-wanted items this season, as local businesses and nonprofits distribute food, clothing and toiletries to the neediest neighbors in our community.

This Thursday, December 11, has been designated as the date for a Winter Coat Drive on behalf of Red Bank-based Lunch Break; hosted by Health in Hand Chiropractic and sponsored by One Warm Coat. Between the hours of 8:30 am and 6 pm, coats can be dropped off at the office of Dr. Chris Storti (410 Pine Street in Middletown, off Route 35 North), with other cold-weather necessities — hats, scarves, gloves and mittens — appreciated as well.

From now through the winter season, the management of Resources Real Estate has announced a partnership with Jersey Cares and Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini (pictured) to collect coats for families in need throughout New Jersey, as part of their 19th Annual Jersey Cares Coast Drive. The four Resources locations have been designated as official collection sites where members of the community can drop off their “gently used” coats. Donors can stop in at any time during regular business hours to the offices in Red Bank (4A West Front Street; Monday-Friday 10-6; Saturday-Sunday 10-4) or Rumson (112 East River Road; Monday-Friday 9-5; Saturday-Sunday 10-4). Donations will also be accepted at the Resources locations in Atlantic Highlands (65 First Avenue) and Monmouth Beach (36-3 Beach Road).

“Jersey Cares has been a vital part of the community for nearly two decades,” says Carolynn Diakon, Broker-Senior Partner at Resources, adding that “we are proud to support the efforts” of the  statewide organization that has collected, stored and distributed more than 400,000 coats to New Jersey residents every year for the past 18 years.

From the Tinton Falls headquarters of Holiday Express comes word that the humanitarian organization is in need of baby items, to be distributed by the touring Express musicians and support personnel at dozens of appearances this season.

Needed are baby shampoo, body wash and lotion, as well as (new and unworn) hats and mittens for infants. In addition, the team at the Holiday Express warehouse is putting out a call for brand new rain ponchos for adults. Donors can arrange to drop any of these items off at the nonprofit’s facility (968 Shrewsbury Avenue in Tinton Falls), by calling (732)544-8010.