Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Jeremy Zoss, 612-543-0443

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and Hennepin County Library System Announce Annual Cold Weather Items Donation Drive

October 1, 2024 (Minneapolis) – The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is proud to announce the launch of its annual cold weather item donation drive. HCSO will collect donations of new or gently used cold weather items for distribution to homeless and unsheltered individuals in Hennepin County. As with years past, HCSO is partnering with the Hennepin County Library system to make donation sites easily accessible.

Donated items will be distributed through various means, including distributions by the HCSO Community Outreach team and to individuals visiting the homeless outreach center at the Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Cold weather items may also be distributed to individuals leaving jail or court hearings without adequate clothing, or anyone else in need that HCSO or Hennepin County Library employees encounter in the course of their duties.

Items being requested include new or gently used coats, hats, mittens, boots, and scarves as well as new socks, and disposable hand/foot warmers. Items for children of all ages are especially needed. HCSO requests that individuals do not donate used items that require extensive cleaning or repair.

HCSO will accept donations from October 1, through February 28. The date of the donation drive may be adjusted based on weather and need.

Donations of new or gently used cold weather items may be donated at drop boxes placed at the locations below. The Sheriff’s Administration can also accept donated items by mail. An Amazon Wishlist can be found here.

“Every year, the citizens of Hennepin County impress us with their generosity during our cold weather item donation drive,” said Sheriff Dawanna Witt. “Over the years, we have given away thousands of clothing items, blankets, hand warmers, and so much more to people in need. Please don’t let the unusually warm weather this September fool you – cold weather will return at some point, and we’re starting the donation drive early this year so we can get these items to those who need them before the worst of it arrives. In Minnesota, no one should be without the things they need to be comfortable and safe during the winter months.”

“We’re excited to offer nearly 20 library drop-off locations this year,” said Hennepin County Library Director Scott Duimstra. “By partnering with the Sheriff’s Office, we’re able to help ensure every visitor can find warmth and comfort at the library and beyond.”

HCSO Locations

• Sheriff's Administration: 350 S 5th St, Room 6, Minneapolis, MN 55415 (8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
• Sheriff's Public Safety Facility: 401 S 4^th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415 (24 hours)
• Sheriff's Water Patrol: 4141 Shoreline Dr, Spring Park, MN 55384 (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
• Sheriff's Emergency Communications Facility: 1245 Shenandoah Lane N, Plymouth, MN 55447 (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
• Sheriff's Patrol Headquarters: 9401 83rd Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445 (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
• Minneapolis Central Library: 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401 (9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Mon-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, noon – 5 p.m. Sunday)

Hennepin County Library Locations. For hours, click here.

• Arvonne Fraser Library: 122 4^th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
• Brookdale Library: 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy., Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
• East Lake Library: 2727 East Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55406
• Eden Prairie Library: 565 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344
• Excelsior Library: 337 Water St., Excelsior, MN 55331
• Franklin Library: 1314 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404
• Golden Valley Library: 830 Winnetka Ave. N, Golden Valley, MN 55427
• Hosmer Library: 347 E. 36^th, Minneapolis, MN 55408
• Linden Hills Library: 2900 W. 43^rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55410
• Minneapolis Central Library: 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401
• Nokomis Library: 5100 34^th S., Minneapolis, MN 55417
• North Regional Library: 1315 Lowry Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN 55411
• Northeast Library: 2200 Central Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55418
• Oxboro Library: 8801 Portland Ave. S, Bloomington, MN 55420
• Ridgedale Library: 12601 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka, MN 55305
• Southdale Library: 7001 York Ave. S., Edina, MN 55435
• Walker Library: 2880 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408
• Washburn Library: 5244 Lyndale Ave., S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
• Westonka Library: Commerce Blvd., Mound, MN 55364

– HCSO–

Look for more news on the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office website at hennepinsheriff.org.