The Promotional Products Association Southwest’s (PPAS) Philanthropy Committee has launched its 2017 Coat Drive to provide warm clothing for homeless and needy veterans in the regional association’s community. The drive is in support of Operation Care, to be held December 16 at the Dallas Convention Center, which provides more than 20,000 homeless or underserved individuals and veterans with supplies to make the holidays more enjoyable. PPAS has chosen to work specifically with the veterans group.

Last year, PPAS collected more than 700 coats, jackets, mittens and bags. This year’s goal is to collect enough coats for every veteran that comes to the event. PPAS has expanded its drive to include coats, jackets, mittens, hats, blankets and other winter items along with personal items that veterans can use.  Also, nonwoven bags are needed to pack and distribute items.

Gary Rugoff, committee chairman and PPAS board member, says, “This is an excellent opportunity to give back to the community by donating overstocked apparel and other promotional items.”

PPAS is collecting items for the coat drive through December 15. Items can be brought to any regularly scheduled PPAS meeting, or can be delivered to designated drop-off locations including the offices of supplier Rite Line (5440 Red Bird Center Drive, Dallas, Texas 75237) and at PPAI headquarters (3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038).

Volunteers are also needed to distribute the items at the event in December. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Gary Rugoff at 972-889-0303 or gary@promotionalmerchandise.com, or John Bagwell at 972-480-8192 or john@bagwell.com.