On Sunday afternoon, the Office of Violence Prevention organized a community coat drive at the Willie Lightfoot R-Center in Rochester. The event’s purpose was not only to distribute warm clothing but also to foster stronger community ties during the colder months.
Organizers described the initiative as part of a broader mission to strengthen trust between residents and local officials. The coat drive provided free winter coats to families in need, illustrating how small acts of care can help reduce barriers and isolation in neighborhoods affected by violence.
Local volunteers and staff worked together to collect and distribute donations. Community leaders highlighted that events like these serve as a reminder that safety and well-being depend on connection and compassion as much as on enforcement or policy.
“When you show up with warmth—literally and figuratively—you can start changing the tone of a neighborhood,” one organizer said.
The Office of Violence Prevention plans to continue engaging residents through similar outreach programs throughout the winter season.
Author’s summary: Rochester’s Office of Violence Prevention held a coat drive to spread warmth, support families in need, and strengthen community connections during winter.