Manchester- In early December, Ambulance Service of Manchester employee, Laura McHugh, motivated by her experience as a road crew EMT, took it upon herself to set fourth an annual coat drive to benefit MACC and HVCC local charities. She describes her inspiration for setting things in motion in the note below.

Despite participating in “Stuff a Cruiser” and “Emergency for Hunger” for the past couple of years, I still felt there was more that I could be doing for my community. While on calls, I was constantly disheartened by seeing not only patients, but their family members, and even bystanders without seasonally appropriate clothing. It constantly left me wondering how I could help. Earlier this year while going through winter clothes, I realized I had more than I needed for my family and decided to donate what I could. With the help of Patrick Gleason,  Ambulance Service of Manchester employees  have begun collecting new and gently used jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves. Donating an old winter jacket could be a small gesture from us, however, this could make a world of a difference to someone in our community. Please help us “Give the Gift of Warmth.”