OXNARD : Postal Service Seeks Blankets, Coats for Needy

To observe the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the Oxnard office of the U.S. Postal Service is taking part in a drive to collect new and used coats and blankets for needy people.

“This was a unique idea that the (San Fernando) Valley and Ventura County and Santa Barbara County offices came up with,” postal spokeswoman Terri Bouffiou said. “They felt it was appropriate that we do something on Martin Luther King holiday.”

Today is the final day of the drive, which began Tuesday. Those who are interested in contributing should bring blemish-free coats and blankets to the Oxnard post office at 1961 N. C St. The donated items will be passed along to local charities, which will distribute them to needy residents.

Although word of the drive had not gotten out to the Oxnard community by Thursday, Bouffiou said it has been a success in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties.

“It seems to be working pretty well,” Bouffiou said. “A lot of people are responding.”