Columbus Urban League hands out 1,000 free coats

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Hundreds of Columbus families will be a little warmer this winter thanks to donations made to the Columbus Urban League.

The organization handed out 1,000 coats Monday, just in time for Christmas. The Urban League estimates about 300 families took advantage of its free winter gear drive.

Its CEO, Stephanie Hightower, said it was also a way to connect families with other resources.

“We also want to capture their information. Do you need a job? Do you have housing issues? Do you need food? And we want to be able to then direct them to those other services throughout the community to help them get through the covid pandemic,” Hightower said.

The one-day drive wrapped up Monday afternoon around 4 p.m.