State police lending aid during hard times

Blooming Grove — Going beyond their traditional role, state police are collecting winter clothing to assist seniors and others hit by current economic woes. “The economy is a mess; especially the fuel prices,” said Michele Worzel who is managing the drive locally. Worzel, a police communications officer at the Blooming Grove State Police barracks added, “Young families can’t afford high gas prices and still have money left over for winter clothes. Our seniors can’t go anywhere because of high gasoline costs. Some of them are eating dog and cat food in order to be able to afford their medications.” A state police employee for over 12 years, Worzel is managing her second clothing drive. This one will run through June 13. Worzel is asking for help from everyone having winter clothes in good condition, that are clean, and are no longer worn by family members. They should be put in plastic bags before bring donated. Winter coats, sweaters, snow suits, boots, sweats, long sleeve shirts and other items in sizes from infants to adults can be dropped off at several places locally. They include: the Dingman Township building on Fisher Lane, the Pike County Medical Center on state Route 739, the Milford Borough office on West Catharine Street, the Matamoras Boro building on Avenue I, and the Westfall Township building at 102 LaBarr Lane in Matamoras. An earlier clothing drive, back in 2000, was successful. Worzel said it makes her feel good to be doing something that helps people in need of assistance. Last Wednesday was the first day Worzel picked up clothes for the clothing drive and she was getting ready to make another pick up when the Courier spoke to her at the barracks. Worzel, along with her grandson Tyler and Corporal Betner of the PSP were busy checking some of the donated clothing to be sure the items were in good condition. Clothes will be sorted to make sure they are clean and suitable. They will be grouped by size, shrink wrapped into groups and delivered to distribution centers in September. Pike, Wayne, Susquehanna, Lackawanna and Luzerne counties so far are offering their county facilities as distribution centers. Troop R Lt. James Degnan is hoping Monroe County and Lehman Township will also take part. “Any family from any county who’s in need or will be in need of our collection, are more than welcome to receive the clothes,” he said Worzel said the State Police are more than willing to help. The clothing is being stored in the lower part of the barracks till the drive is over. The storage area was beginning to look like a successful clothing drive is underway. “After this is over, I am looking forward to having a winter blanket drive,” she said. Worzel is hoping when you do your spring cleaning and put away your winter clothing you’ll find clothes you no longer need and will take the time and effort to bring them to one of the drop-off centers. For more information, contact Lt. Degnan at the barracks 570-226-5718 or Michele Worzel 570-676-8558.