By: Webster Times, 12-25-2020
Sheriff Evangelidis recently paid a special visit to Webster-Dudley Food Share in Webster for the Sheriff’s Annual Winter Coat Drive. There to receive the donation of brand new winter jackets, warm socks and protective masks (from left to right) are Webster resident Paula Aponte, Webster-Dudley Food Share Director A.J. Alkire, Board Member Lisa Tuttle, Staff Member Angel Santiago along with Sheriff Evangelidis.
WEBSTER — The Sheriff was in town for his Annual Winter Coat Drive. On Thursday, Dec. 3, Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis made a special visit to the Webster-Dudley Food Share to donate and deliver brand new winter jackets, protective masks and warm socks to help those in need stay warm during the winter season. “Especially during the holiday season, it is vitally important to remember those who may be struggling during this challenging time. Instead of cancelling our annual winter coat drive due to the constraints and concerns of COVID, our department doubled down on our commitment to help those in need during the cold winter months. After months of hard work securing community grants and donations, we are able to
donate, deliver and distribute almost three thousand brand new winter jackets to the elderly, veterans and underserved communities throughout Worcester County. I would like to take this time to thank our tremendous coat drive co-sponsors, Central Mass Agency on Aging and all of our community sponsors for their overwhelming kindness and generosity to help make this year’s Winter Coat Drive possible.
Our goal is for everyone to have a safe, healthy and warm holiday season,” said Evangelidis The Sheriff’s Office Annual Winter Coat Drive also received a significant boost this year from the generosity of The Stave & Still Restaurant and Waskiewicz Family of Webster who provided the coat drive with an extraordinary kick-off along with a significant donation to help purchase all brand new winter jackets. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of The Stave & Still Restaurant and Waskiewicz family our coat drive was able to overcome the challenges initially presented by the pandemic and allowed us to purchase brand new winter jackets. Their kindness will help so many folks stay warm this winter,” said Evangelidis. In addition to WebsterDudley Food Share, the Sheriff also donated warm winter jackets to the residents of the Reconciliation House for recovery also located in Webster. “Sheriff Lew and his team are always there for us.
During the year, we receive deliveries from their organic farm at the jail and today the Sheriff is here donating and delivering beautiful winter jackets, masks and warm socks. So many folks have been hit hard by this pandemic, these items are in need and will certainly go a long way,” said Webster -Dudley Food Share Director A.J. Alkire. “It has been a challenging year for so many. With the donation of brand new winter jackets and warm socks we are happy to help the Webster community in this way,” said Evangelidis.
