MILWAUKEE — Walter Garron knows what it’s like to be in need. That’s why he’s inspired every year to organize a coat drive to give coats to those in need. 

“I love helping people,” said Garron. “I’ve been in need, and I have not had help, so I know how it is to be in need. If I can be the help for somebody else and lessen their struggle, why not? That should be it.”

Garron buys a lot of the coats with his own money. He also gets some from people who want to help, along with community organizations and local companies.

Over the past four years, he estimates that he’s handed out more than 6,000 coats.

His latest stop to hand-deliver coats, hats and gloves was at the Holt Avenue Park and Ride, where there are a group of people living out of their cars and campers.

“There are good people here,” said Garron. “They are just going through a bad time. We want to make sure that they get better, and that we can provide them with any help they can get.”

Garron comes to this location three to four times a week to lend a helping hand. He visits other places throughout the city as well.

Kevin Perez said he is thankful for the help. The 53-year-old has been living in his camper at the Holt Avenue Park and Ride for months.

“It’s been really hard on me,” said Perez. “Especially as it gets colder. I brought my buddy in here last night, just so we could all stay warm because it was so cold.”

For many, a simple check-in and offer to help can mean a world of difference.

“We look out for each other when the world doesn’t even care about us,” said Perez. “Some people just pass by and honk their horn or look at us disgusted.”

Garron is trying to show he cares. He said he hopes more people step up to show that they do too.

“We have so much to give here all together, and if we chip in little by little, each one of us, we can make a difference for a lot of us,” said Garron.