‘Keep Our Neighbors Warm’ coat drive ready for third year

“We want to set a record,” Ted Nelson, a Johnston resident and retail manager at OPTX Rhode Island on Hartford Avenue, said Tuesday. “We want – and hope – people turn out to help keep some less fortunate people warm this winter.”

With that, Nelson – along with OPTX general manager Robert Folgo and Johnston Senior Center leaders Anthony Zompa and Millie Santilli – announced the third annual “Keep Our Neighbors Warm” coat drive.

“This is one of the most important things any of us do all year,” Nelson said, announcing the joint, two-phase coat drive is set for Saturday, Nov. 28, and will be held from 8 a.m. to noon inside the Johnston Senior Center at 1291 Hartford Ave. “We’ve had super special success in both our previous collections, and we’d like that trend to continue next week.”

OPTX – which is owned and operated by Dr. Giulio Diamante –and the senior center are hoping to collect gently worn winter coats to help families in need during the winter of 2015-16.

The idea for “Keep Our Neighbors Warm” began several years ago when Nelson and Folgo – who are long-time employees at OPTX – sought to do something special for the holidays.

Before long, they teamed with Zompa and Santilli, and the first coast drive was under way. It wound up providing upwards of 200 gently worn coats, which were distributed to several locations that deal with people and families in need.

“We went to one place with some coats,” Nelson said. “Several people were seeking donations for coffee. We made that happen and also told them about the coats. Almost immediately, one man started crying: ‘For me, this is like winning the lottery. God bless you both!’”

Folgo said there are other such stories that “just tug at your heartstrings.”

“We collected and distributed some 300 coats last year and for me, well, let’s just say that made my Christmas,” he said.

Nelson asked members of the community to check closets, garages and basements for any spare winter coats.

“We want and need everyone’s help in this coat drive and we thank you, in advance, for supporting this important cause,” he said.

In addition to the Nov. 28 hours, coats can be dropped off at the senior center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. OPTX is also collecting coats during business hours.