MINNEAPOLIS — As we settle into fall, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) hopes to proactively protect Minnesotans from our impending deep freeze with its annual winter donation drive.
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, the sheriff's office will collect new or gently used items like coats, hats, mittens, boots, scarves and socks to distribute to people experiencing homelessness as winter approaches.
“Every year, the citizens of Hennepin County impress us with their generosity during our cold weather item donation drive,” said Sheriff Dawanna Witt, in a statement. “Over the years, we have given away thousands of clothing items, blankets, hand warmers, and so much more to people in need."
Witt said her office is starting the annual drive early this year in an effort to get ahead of cold weather. The office plans to collect items until at least Feb. 28, but timing is flexible pending weather and need.
HCSO drop-off locations/times:
- 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 4th 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)
The Hennepin County Library system will partner with the sheriff's office this year, offering an additional 20 donation drop-off locations for easier accessibility.
“We’re excited to offer nearly 20 library drop-off locations this year,” said Hennepin County Library Director Scott Duimstra, in a statement. “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.”
Hennepin County Library locations:
- Arvonne Fraser Library: 122 4th 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. 36th, Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Linden Hills Library: 2900 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis, MN 55410
- Minneapolis Central Library: 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Nokomis Library: 5100 34th 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
For library hours, click here.
For more information about HCSO's cold weather donation initiative and what to donate, click here.
