By JESSICA HARDING
Staff Writer
MIDDLETOWN — Lincroft Village Jewelers aimed to help the local homeless this past holiday season.
The family-owned and operated jewelry shop held a coat drive with the Monmouth County Department of Human Services.
Over 180 coats were collected and used during the county’s “Project Homeless Connect” event on Jan. 25.
“Project Homeless Connect” is an event that provides human and health services for homeless residents or those people who are in danger of becoming homeless. It is normally held in satellite locations, such as Asbury Park, Freehold, Keansburg, Long Branch, Neptune and Red Bank.
The Department of Human Services depends on the county and these communities to come together and help the homeless.
Lincroft Village Jewelers has committed to holding another coat drive next year due to an overwhelming response from customers.
Store owner Sean Cody said a goal of collecting 100 coats was set for this first time of teaming up with the county.
“We didn’t know exactly the response we would get,” he said. “We blew our goal of 100 out of the water and will continue to do the same in the future. Giving the gift of warmth in the holiday season will be a fixture of ours moving forward.”