COVINGTON, Ky. — St. Vincent de Paul helped the community stay warm this winter, hosting its 24th annual coat drive. 

Racks of coats lined the room at the Life Learning Center in Covington as shoppers such as Aminata Villa searched for the perfect coats for her and her children.

“It's very important for community because ... some people ... their income is low," she said. "Something like this can help for saving money and protect our health because it's too cold outside.”

Since October, St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky has worked with St. Vincent de Paul Cincinnati and Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning to collect new and gently used coats, filling the room with enough supplies of all sizes. They'll continue to accept donations through Jan. 2025.

“Their sponsorship has allowed us to buy these larger-size coats that are in high demand because when people are out in the elements, they like to layer up," said Karen Zengel, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky. "Having those larger-size coats allows them to do that and stay extra warm."

Zengel also stressed that much of this wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers who worked to make sure all guests found a coat they loved.

“These are brothers and sisters that are in need," said volunteer Rosa Hollis-Bird, 12. "That's what Saint Vincent Paul is all about ... bringing whatever we can to our families and helping them to be safe.”

It made all the difference for families such as Villa's. 

"I'm very excited," she said. "I get what I like ... I'm very happy.”

Two more events will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at John G. Carlisle Elementary School in Covington and Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Florence.