The Lakewood Police Department and Lakewood Community Coalition are collecting coats ahead of their pre-Thanksgiving soup kitchen and coat drive, with donations accepted through Friday, November 13.

New or gently used jackets and coats, in all sizes and styles, can be dropped off 24 hours a day at the donation bin in the lobby of Lakewood Police Headquarters, 231 3rd Street.

The distribution will take place Saturday, November 14, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Town Square, at 3rd Street and Clifton Avenue. Hot soup, jackets and coats will be available to the public at no cost.

The annual event brought residents together at Town Square last year for a warm meal and winter clothing.

“Lakewood can be proud of its Police Department; the LCC; and other communal and nonprofit partners; for arranging yet another event to benefit the underprivileged among us,” said Township Committeeman and Emergency Services Liaison Meir Lichtenstein. “These men and women see public service as a goal – rather than a job – and go above and beyond the call of duty to fulfill that.”

The Police Department and coalition thanked Our Lady of Guadalupe, JBJ Soul Kitchen, Calvary Lighthouse and All Saints Church for their donations toward the event.