By DENISE HERSCHEL
The Neptune Township Public Library and Neptune Township Biddy Basketball have joined forces this winter season, holding a Coat Drive.
Since mid-December new and unused coats have been collected and will continue to be collected until Jan. 19. According to Neptune Public Library Director John Bonney, this is the first time the library has partnered with Neptune Biddy Basketball for a community coat drive.
“Biddy Basketball and the library are great partners for this cause because we are united in the common goal of providing unused and new warm coats to anyone in need,” he said. “Neptune Committeeman Kevin McMillan and Michelle Moss of Biddy Basketball, along with the library, are running the drive.”
“John Bonney and our organization work closely together during our basketball registration season where we are able to hold registration in the library’s foyer,” Moss said. “God has bestowed on my heart to start a coat drive to help our community to stay warm for the winter. Last year I mentioned a coat drive to Kevin and Renee McMillan who are also Directors of Neptune Biddy Basketball. This is when the thought process began and we were all on board.”
This year she decided to put the idea into effect and spoke with Bonney at the library, advising him that they wanted to hold the coat drive.
“We discussed the possibilities and decided to keep in touch with one another. Kevin and I were at one of our basketball events and I mentioned the coat drive again. Kevin called John and we agreed to collaborate our efforts,” she said.
According to Bonney, the coats that are being collected can only be new and unused for all ages and sizes. Donations can be dropped off at the front circulation desk at the library. The coats will be distributed to the following organizations: Healthy Families New Jersey, Parents as Teachers, VNA Health Group and Nurse-Family Partnership. These organizations provide assistance to residents of Neptune Township and the surrounding communities.
“This is our first coat drive and we really have a great organization and are looking for our parents, coaches, athletes, and friends to get involved by donating coats new and unused of all sizes and all ages, to help our community stay warm,” Moss said. “Kevin, Renee, and myself work very hard, hand in hand, with one another and put in long hours to organize Neptune Biddy Basketball.”
Bonney added that he is also excited to have the library be a part of the local coat drive for the community.
“The Neptune Public Library is the community resource center in the heart of Neptune Township, We have always taken pride in serving our community by offering more than just books. This coat drive is just one of the many projects that the library participates in throughout the year to benefit our residents,” he said. “There will always be a need to help those who are unable to help themselves. We are just doing our part to fill that need in our backyard.”
To learn more about the coat drive being held by the Neptune Public Library and Neptune Biddy Basketball contact the library at 732-775-8241 ext. 5.
