(OCTOBER 25) The Count Basie Center for the Arts and Count Basie Center Academy is asking patrons and students to assist with its coat drive to benefit Jersey Shore Rescue Mission.

Now through November 15, the Basie Center is hoping everyone – be it students attending classes at the Count Basie Center Academy or the Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music, actors rehearsing with community theatre company Phoenix Productions, pr patrons attending events at either Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre, The Vogel and Basie Center Cinemas – to donate new or gently worn winter coats.

Also accepted will be new homemade or purchased winter hats, scarves and gloves. Windbreakers, rain jackets or sweaters cannot be accepted at this time.

The donations will then be given to Asbury Park’s Jersey Shore Rescue Mission, which cares for community members by providing immediate needs like food, clothing and shelter, while also working to meet long term needs through programs that help individuals overcome struggles with addiction, homelessness and poverty.

Patrons attending Count Basie Center events may carry in their donations and hand them off to venue employee. Collections are also being accepted at Phoenix Productions headquarters (59 Chestnut Street, Red Bank), the Basie Center’s Monmouth Conservatory of Music (65 Chestnut Street in Red Bank, just behind Phoenix Productions) and in the organization’s Education department offices, located on the 3rd floor of the Grunin Arts Education Building, which shares an entrance with The Vogel.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 732-224-8778 during regular business hours.