One of the advantages of being a public servant is the ability to help those in need. This winter the Town of Hempstead was assisted in its philanthropic endeavors through the generosity of residents. In response to a column I wrote about the town's participation in the Coats for Kids program, friends and neighbors responded in overwhelming fashion.

The Neighborhood Cleaners Association ran the Coats for Kids coat drive for the 18th year this winter. The purpose of this drive is to collect coats for children who may not otherwise be able to stay warm during the cold weather.

Arthur Epstein, owner of Randi's Cleaners in Mineola, is the chairman of this campaign. Last year alone, Randi's cleaned 10,000 coats which were given to children in need here on Long Island.

This year, because of the generosity of our residents, the Town of Hempstead was able to collect approximately 500 coats which were taken to Randi's to be cleaned and distributed to those in need.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who dropped off coats at the six Town of Hempstead sites. This generosity will make a positive difference in the lives of others. Please also keep this drive in mind as the year goes on before getting rid of coats that may no longer fit. We look forward to next year when we anticipate collecting even more coats and helping even more local children.