'You Have The Power To Help Someone': Coat Drive In Mokena

MOKENA, IL — Winter is here and the colder temperatures right along with it. But not everyone has the proper clothing to keep themselves warm in the brutal conditions that are synonymous with winter in Chicagoland.

That's why KamBri Realty, LLC and AAIS Insurance have teamed up to host a coat drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at KamBri Realty, 19031 Old LaGrange Road Suite 210 in Mokena.

"I run hot, and usually in the winter I'm always warm and if I'm running out I usually just put on a sweater," KamBri Realty Owner and Managing Broker Karyn Murphy told Patch. But Tuesday morning's chilly weather got Murphy to thinking.

"I was cold, and it just hit me that there's people out there — and no judgement because we don't know everyone's situation — there are people out there who are cold," Murphy said. "So, even if we can clothe 10 people, that's 10 people who won't be cold."

Murphy talked it over with her boyfriend, Frank Gatto of AAIS Insurance, and the pair came up with the idea for the coat drive.

Donated coats will be handed over to Tinley Park-based Together We Cope, a nonprofit organization that provides food, shelter, clothing and referrals for those in the south suburbs.

Murphy put out a call on Patch Wednesday for coat donations of any size.

Murphy said that those who would like to donate but are unable to make it to KamBri Realty Saturday can make arrangements for drop off or pick up by texting her at (708) 278-6996.

For more information on Together We Cope, visit its website by following this link.

"Please reach in your heart (and your closet) and find coats that could be donated. You have the power to keep someone from being cold. You have the power to help someone," Murphy wrote.