CARBONDALE, Ill. (NewsFirst) — The City of Carbondale Police Department, in collaboration with the Athletics Department of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is spearheading a holiday initiative to gather new coats for boys and girls, ages 1-10 in Carbondale. This joint effort aims to provide warmth to children in need through the Carbondale Police Department Community Christmas Store.
New coats are now being collected at all home men’s and women’s basketball games as part of the community-wide endeavor. The initiative seeks to make a positive impact on families residing in Carbondale, particularly those facing economic challenges. The Carbondale Police Department’s Victims’ Advocate, along with support from the Victim’s Advocates of Jackson County, organizes the annual Community Christmas Store. This event offers gifts and toys at reduced costs to 150 children from at-risk or underprivileged families.
“Our goal this year is to go beyond the joy of gift-giving and also provide each of these children with a warm coat as we approach the winter months,” the news release said.
To facilitate community participation, the Carbondale Police Department encourages residents to contribute by dropping off new coats for children at their headquarters located at 501 S. Washington Street and at the Carbondale Civic Center lobby at 200 South Illinois Avenue. Additionally, donations will be accepted during the town’s tree lighting ceremony on November 30th from 1700-1900 at the Town Square Pavilion. The deadline for contributions is December 8th, 2023.
The Carbondale Police Department, committed to providing professional and quality police services to residents, emphasizes the importance of community involvement in creating positive relationships between law enforcement and citizens.
