By Okon Ekpenyong

The 7th Annual Winter Coat Drive continues this Thursday, courtesy of the Columbus Division of Police Partners with Starfish Assignment and AEP Ohio.

As the cold winter months approach, the Columbus Division of Police this Thursday, December 5, 2024, is teaming up with the Starfish Assignment and AEP Ohio to ensure every child in the community stays safe and warm. Through this partnership, hundreds of kids will receive brand-new winter coats for free.

This initiative is Starfish’s longest-running project, dating back to 2018. Since its inception, the organization has given away nearly 4,000 coats to children in need.

“Even in the heat of summer, our officers were thinking of what families would need come winter,” said Starfish Assignment Founder Nicole Banks.

On Thursday, CPD officers will “shop” for families in their patrol area and then deliver the coats door-to-door in time for the holidays. This year, thanks to the generous support of AEP Ohio and Macy’s, nearly 700 brand-new coats will be distributed to Columbus kids.

AEP Ohio is proud to be a part of this initiative. “We look forward to this event every year, and we are grateful for the chance to be a force for good in the communities we serve,” said Renee Shumate, AEP Ohio’s external affairs manager.

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