Jaguars fans make coat and clothing drive a success

Posted Dec 10, 2012

Jacksonville Jaguars fans began a new tradition of giving back to the community through their donations of more than 2,000 articles of clothing at EverBank Field yesterday. The fans joined Jaguars players, coaches and staff in a coat and clothing drive that was initiated by Jaguars cornerback and Jacksonville native Rashean Mathis.

In partnership with Dignity U Wear and with the help of volunteers from Andrew Jackson High School, new and gently used clothing items were collected at the Jaguars game Sunday. Peter Racine, Jaguars Foundation President noted, “We don’t have a final count because clothing is actually still coming in. Fans also donated more than $500 for Dignity U Wear to purchase needed items that are not usually donated, such as socks and underwear.”

The clothing will be distributed through agencies that support formerly homeless men and women who are getting back on their feet and need clothing for job interviews and re-entering the workforce. Children’s clothing will be distributed to area homeless shelters. Partner agencies include the Clara White Mission, City Rescue Mission, Community Connections, Operation New Hope and the I. M. Sulzbacher Center.