Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Jim Remington | (Left to right) Battalion Chief Jeffrey Williams, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Fire...... read more read more
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WASHINGTON – Living on the sidewalk or under a bridge is always grim for the homeless, but during winter it can be deadly, and with temperatures dropping, they could use some help.
The Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) Security and Operations Office started Operation Overcoat to help provide outerwear to those most in need. Currently in its second year, the clothing drive collects coats of all sizes for the District.
During 2013, JBAB Firefighters and Department of Defense (DOD) police officers distributed several hundred coats to needy residents living in Washington, D.C., Ward 7. The gently-used coats were donated by JBAB residents, military members, civilians and contractors, making the drive a success.
“We’re hoping for the same successful turnout as last year, if not better, since we started earlier this year,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Rickett, JBAB director of operations and event organizer.
With military families constantly moving, Rickett explained that Operation Overcoat is a perfect way to get rid of unneeded coats and simultaneously give back to the surrounding community.
“Almost every time you clean out your closet, you tend to find extra stuff,” he said. “Why not give it to people who can use it? It’s a good way to start the winter and help keep somebody warm.”
The winter months can become extremely dangerous for anyone, but especially for the homeless who are unable to find a place to stay among the overcrowded D.C. shelters. Last winter, the northeast saw record shattering temperatures and high-snow totals, and a similar weather is expected this winter season, according to www.accuweather.com.
The idea for the coat drive came from Rickett and his wife’s desire to simply help the needy.
When asked why they organize the operation, Rickett replied, “Why not?”
“The Security and Operations office is a community-service organization as it, provides fire rescue, security, safety, and emergency management on a daily basis to the JBAB community. This is just one more thing that we can do to help make the community a better place to live and grow,” he said.
“It’s always good to help out the people that you serve,” Rickett added. “I hope we can continue to do this for years to come.”
Operation Overcoat will continue through Dec. 12. Donation boxes are located at the JBAB Security Office, 421 Brookley Ave., and Fire Station One, 5 Brookley Ave. Drop-off is available 24/7.
| Date Taken: | 11.14.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2014 10:48 |
| Story ID: | 147858 |
| Location: | DC, US |
| Web Views: | 69 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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