HUBBARD, Ohio – Youngstown Blue Coats reported Thursday that it served 5,217 veterans, men, women and children during its 2024-25 distribution season.
The organization set records in the number of people served the past two years. And this year, it set a record in the number of veterans served, at 1,392.
Youngstown Blue Coats added eight new agencies that it works with, bringing the total to 89.
Rick’s Ranchwear helped support the organization’s efforts with a donation of 1,208 pairs of boots.
“It is because of such donations as the very generous one from Rick’s Ranchwear that meet the needs of those who are homeless and in need throughout the six counties in Ohio and five in Pennsylvania” that the organization serves, founder and CEO Patty Summers said in a news release.
“Knowing that each person who received the boots now have warm, dry feet is such a blessing. Exposure to the cold and wet is now limited, and frostbite is now an issue that most will not have to worry about,” Summers said. “Providing warmth from head to toe is something most of us take for granted, but those we serve worry about daily.”
Summers noted that Youngstown Clothing Co. contributed 200 coats, as well as monetary donations, and Shirt Wizard provided “huge donations” of warming items.
Youngstown Blue Coats, founded in 2017, depends entirely on volunteers. Monetary donations are accepted, as well as materials such as gently used winter coats, socks, boots, hats, gloves, sleeping bags, ground mats and tents.
For more information, visit the organization’s website.
Pictured at top: Patty Summers, founder and CEO of Youngstown Blue Coats.