Winter Clothing Drive Bundles Up Needy Children

(KNSI) – On the coldest day of the year (so far), representatives from Operation Warm, the Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation, and St. Cloud Subaru were handing out some prized possessions inside police headquarters.

After collecting winter jackets and shoes for hundreds of needy children in late 2024, a steady stream of kids passed through the conference room to select a new coat and footwear for themselves that immediately got put to use. Public safety foundation president Jennifer Odette called the event gratifying.

She says it goes a long way to building the bonds the COP House was designed to create. “It’s completely overwhelming. It definitely fills your heart every time you hear a story or you are a part of one of the activities. And to see the connection with our officers that put in the time and the energy to build those relationships with the families and the kids has been absolutely remarkable.”

The results speak for themselves, according to Odette. Sometimes, even lives are changed. “One of the helpers today grew up in the COP House, and he had an opportunity today to work at the COP House. Now, he’s going into law enforcement.”

Also given out were emergency kits that could be kept in the home if there is a power outage. While most have a backup plan such as staying with nearby family or booking a hotel room, that isn’t an option for the most vulnerable.

Hockey club has been going strong along with reading and game nights. An ice fishing trip is on the horizon and monthly Women of Worth meetings continue. Community outreach efforts are year-round and will serve as a model once new locations open up on the east end and in 1010 Park later this year.

St. Cloud Subaru was an integral part of the event, which was scheduled for Monday when school was out due to the Martin Luther King Day holiday. Salesman David Konnight talked about what it means to dealership staff to give back.

“It’s amazing. Growing up, myself, I didn’t have a lot and always getting some kind of help was great. So now, being able to get older and help out people myself feels amazing.” He added a joke, “It’s minus-11 out right now but it feels like a hundred degrees outside.”

David says the efforts are led by General Manager Bobby Konnight and notes it is a team effort. St. Cloud Subaru was open on Monday and yet they still were able to dedicate several people for the event held inside police headquarters.

David is already looking forward to the return of a back-to-school shopping spree for a nearby shelter, which he said was his favorite of the charity activities the business helps out with.

___