United Way Winter Drive Collects 1,000 Coats and Blankets for Las Vegas Shelters

As winter temperatures drop in Las Vegas, the United Way of Southern Nevada has gathered over 1,000 coats, jackets, and blankets to help people in need. One of the organizations receiving these donations is the Shannon West Homeless Youth Shelter, an organization that helps young people who are experiencing homelessness, Fox 5 reports. "They put them on, and they get the biggest smile on their face and they're just so happy. This is theirs, brand new," said Louis Lacey to Fox 5, Director of Homeless Response Teams at HELP of Southern Nevada. According to KTNV, nearly 8,000 people experience homelessness nightly in Clark County. In fact, the rate of people experiencing homelessness in Las Vegas has increased by 20% since last year. "When looking at national data, Las Vegas is number 11 when it comes to the largest population of those experiencing homelessness on a single night," KTNV's article states. Along with the issue of homelessness in Las Vegas, the winter months can bring intense wind chills and bitterly cold temperatures in the desert. Having a winter coat and proper gear can be life-saving in many instances. Interested in helping? HELP of Southern Nevada accepts donations throughout the year. Visit their website to find donation locations and their current needs list.