NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Elks Lodge 487 teamed up with Ocean State Job Lots for a second year to provide winter coats to veterans in need. 

 

A total of 44 coats were purchased, with half of those being distributed through the Veterans Services Office at City Hall. 

 

First, the Elks purchased $1,000 worth of coats at the discount store; they were then donated back to the store and sent to a distribution center to be donated to veterans. The store reimbursed the Elks with gift cards worth the same value as the coats, which were then used to buy 22 more coats for local veterans.  

 

This is part of Ocean State's 10th annual "Buy, Give, Get" coats program. Anyone in the Job Lot Insider program who buys a warm winter coat for $45 (retail value $200 or greater) at any of the retail chain's 176 stores and donates it back will get a $45 gift card. 

 

The discount retailer has provided nearly 380,000 coats to people in need, including veterans, since 2016. It anticipates having some 80,000 winter coats for purchase and donation in partnership with more than 50 support organizations and programs.

 

Elks Trustee David Sacco said a woman was at the store when they were getting the coat donations and also purchased a coat to donate and gave the Elks her gift card to purchase another one for a local veteran. 

 

Those donating coats through program can let the cashier know to give the gift card to the Elks, who will then get the coat to City Hall.

 

North Adams Elks 487 are wishing everyone happy holidays.