With colder weather approaching, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s Association are preparing to put 4,000 new winter coats into the hands of children, families and other residents in need across Worcester County.
The organizations will launch their 2026 Winter Coat Drive with a fundraising event Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Pepe’s Italian Restaurant, 179 Shrewsbury St. in Worcester.
The annual campaign raises money to purchase new coats that will be distributed through service organizations and directly to residents throughout the county. During the final weeks of October, Sheriff Lew Evangelidis and members of his office are expected to travel to communities across Worcester County to deliver the coats, according to an announcement from the Sheriff’s Office.
“Our Winter Coat Drive is about helping our neighbors while building positive connections throughout Worcester County,” Evangelidis said in the announcement. “Every year, we see firsthand how much something as simple as a new winter coat can mean to someone.”
The campaign is supported by businesses, nonprofits and other community organizations from across the region. This year’s sponsors include Saint Francis Community Health Care, Mercadante Funeral Home, the Cliff & Susan Rucker Foundation, CareOne at Millbury, Ocean State Job Lot, Walmart, Rockland Trust Bank, the Worcester Red Sox and WooSox Foundation, and the Worcester County Correction Officers’ NEPBA Local 550, among others.
The kickoff event brings sponsors, community leaders and supporters together to raise money and awareness ahead of the October distribution.
“This is always a special time of year for our team, and we look forward to getting out into the community and supporting those who need it most,” Evangelidis said.
