Eighth Annual Coat Drive

Just before winter made its presence known in Central Ohio, officers and deputies were able to put more than 400 brand new coats directly into the hands of children who needed them.

Last week, AEP Ohio, the Columbus Division of Police, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Gahanna Division of Police came together to unpack and sort this year’s coats so officers and deputies could quickly get them out into the community. Thanks to an incredible group effort, the entire process took only 15 minutes, a record for us. (Yes, even we were stunned at how quickly everyone came together to achieve this!) Officers and deputies then fanned out across the city to deliver them. Because of these efforts, children had these gorgeous, warm coats before the snow and bitter cold set in.

This year’s Eighth Annual Coat Drive was made possible through our long-standing partnerships with AEP Ohio and Macy’s. It is our longest-running program and one that Columbus Division of Police officers asked for when Starfish Assignment was first established in the summer of 2018. Even then, they were thinking ahead to winter and to children who struggle when the cold arrives.

Since that first year, more than 5,000 coats have been distributed to children across the area. Officers and deputies deliver coats to children they meet during their patrol duties or partner with teachers and community leaders to make sure kids without coats get one immediately.

Thank you to AEP Ohio, Macy’s, Columbus Division of Police, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Gahanna Division of Police for coming together once again to make this happen. We’re so grateful we could work with you on this meaningful Assignment again this year.