According to St. Louis Park Emergency Program volunteer and community relations coordinator, Mari-Claire Dart, St. Louis Park Emergency Program’s winter clothing is open to those who seek help for winter warmth.

“It’s available for anyone who feels they have the need to use our services,” Dart said. “We serve both adults and children with our coat drive program.”

According to Dart, October is when their wardrobe transitions to combat the cold, but the coat drive is still open after October.

“We have a clothes closet that is available to clients, and during the month of October it is completely transformed from having clothing and shoes and things like that into just coats and winter wear,” Dart said. “We do still accept coats and warm winter wear through March.”

Sophomore Nick Lanoux said he believes the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP) coat drive is a great way to provide for others.

“I think it’s a good idea and it’s really good for the people that need it. I think it’s nice when anyone helps out with that kind of stuff,” Lanoux said. “I’d say (the coat drive has) a positive impact on the community and it gives everyone a good hope and makes them all happier.”

Senior Greta Long, who has volunteered for STEP before, said she has been helping out since a young age.

“I have volunteered (at STEP) since I was 6 years old. I started going with my dad when I was young and I just kept going,” Long said. “We collect donations. If people come and drop stuff off every once in a while I’ll be in charge of collecting donations.”

Dart said STEP works towards making life easier for their clients in many situations.

“By being able to access the coat closet, they have one less stress in their life,” Dart said. “If we can lift the burden in any way, that’s always our main goal.”

According to Long, the coat drive is able to eliminate another monetary worry for many.

“Obviously Minnesota is very cold and I think it just takes a little bit of the financial strain of people who might not have the money to purchase a new coat or at least the right size coat, especially for parents who have multiple kids. This is just a good way to make sure that all their kids are ready for winter,” Long said.

Sophomore Elliot Salmon said the coat drive is an opportunity to unite St. Louis Park, especially because of the freezing conditions during winter.

“I think it will help bring community closer together,” Salmon said. “It will keep people more safe as well just with the cold temperatures that Minnesota gets in the winter.”

According to Dart, STEP has helped thousands of people maintain warmth.

“We gave out about 843 coats last year and that was just during October. So we probably give out over a thousand coats throughout the winter,” Dart said.

Long said she enjoys contributing to a cause that provides for others.

“I like feeling like I’m giving back to the community,” Long said. “I like SLP and I think it is a good way to use my time to just kind of get involved.”

Lanoux said he is willing to contribute winter clothing in the future.

“I have not (donated a coat to STEP), but I would consider donating any coats that do not fit or I do not use to STEP,” Lanoux said.

STEP is located at 6812 West Lake St., St. Louis Park, according to the STEP website.