New Lenox Dunkin' locations holding coat drive

The New Lenox Dunkin' locations are turning their currently unused indoor spaces to hold a coat, hat and glove drive.

Dunkin' and owner Salman Tharwani partnered with the village in hosting the drive. Residents are encouraged to bring new or good conditioned winter gear to either of the locations from now until Dec. 13.

"Help keep those less fortunate a little warmer this year," Mayor Tim Baldermann said in a Facebook post announcing the drive.

"Thank you Salman Tharwani for being such a valuable member of our community," the post continued.

With all the tough times people are facing, Tharwani said he knows it is tough for people to give money, so a coat drive would be a perfect way to have some good spirit in the community.

When he and Baldermann talked about doing something for the community, it made sense to open up the indoors for this because they had the space.

He added it's also the time of year where people want to help each other and in turn feel good about themselves, too.

"It's just that time of the year," he said. "Whatever it is, even if it's just a $2 hat, some kid will get it. We don't always know who gets it, but there is someone out there who is going to benefit from it.

"It has been some really tough times with a lot of negativity and we have to keep moving forward and hopefully this helps with that," he said.