CALABASAS : Mayor Plans Coat Drive for the Needy

Despite recent soaring temperatures, Calabasas city leaders know the mercury will be dropping soon, and with it, the living standards of the San Fernando Valley’s homeless.

That is why Mayor Karyn Foley has started a drive to collect outerwear, which will be distributed to the needy during the winter holidays.

Foley said she got the idea from reading a magazine article about a similar project in New York City.

“Last year we collected food--(but) everybody collects food,” Foley said. “I wanted to do something a little independent of what everyone else does.”

The drive will be launched at the City Council meeting in City Hall on Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. People can bring sweaters, jackets and coats for children and adults, either to City Hall or to the book booth at the Calabasas Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

Foley is organizing the drive with Troy Trimmer of the Salvation Army, which will receive the donated clothing and distribute it among the needy. The mayor said she hopes the drive will net a few hundred coats.

“It’s a very cold winter coming up,” Foley said. “There’s a lot of children and adults that simply won’t have anything to keep them warm, especially the homeless. If we can give them some coats and jackets, then we’re doing our part.”