TPAL and NOBLE Team Up with First Responders for "Winter Shield: First Responders Unite"

November 20, 2024

The Tallahassee Police Athletic League (TPAL) and The North Florida Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), in collaboration with local first responders, are proud to announce the launch of "Winter Shield: First Responders Unite", a community-wide winter coat drive for children. The initiative aims to collect essential winter items for local students and families affected by recent storms across the region. The collection period will run from November 20, 2024, through December 20, 2024.

The devastating storms that have swept through Florida over the past few months have left many families struggling to recover and rebuild. As the colder months approach, the need for warm clothing, especially for children, has become a significant concern. "Winter Shield: First Responders Unite" seeks to address this need by gathering winter essentials such as:

• Hats
• Coats
• Socks
• Gloves
• Knit caps
• Scarves

These items will be distributed to children in Title One elementary schools and other local schools impacted by the recent storms, ensuring the collected items are delivered directly to children in the most need.

Community members are encouraged to participate by dropping off gently used and new winter clothing donations at local first responder agencies and designated collection points. These agencies will also be collecting items internally and working closely with Title One elementary schools to ensure every donation finds its way to children who need it most.

For additional information on donation locations or how to get involved, please contact Lt. Anitra Highland Simmonds, anitra.highland-simmonds@talgov.com or 850-891-4339.