Couple provides jackets to Central Coast homeless

“I’m happy to be able to help any small way I can,” said Rose Eaton.

After hearing about the two homeless men who died from hypothermia in downtown Monterey, Eaton said she felt compelled to do something.

“I thought this shouldn’t be happening in a town with as much resources and wealth as we have here,” said Eaton.

With two boxes and a message, she and her husband David Eaton started taking donations for jackets in Sunshine Freestyle and at On the Beach Surf Shop on Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey.

“Since we sell a lot of jackets during the winter and a lot of people buy jackets they probably have some new ones to replace the old ones they got,” said On the Beach Surf Shop owner Kelly Sorenson. “So I thought it was a great idea to do this.”

Once the boxes are filled up the gently-used jackets are sorted and placed on the shoulders of anyone who needs warmth.

“They’re very happy,” said Rose Eaton. “They say thank you, God bless you.”

Instead of donating the jackets to a local organization or clothes closet, the couple has decided to deliver them by hand.

“I just say “Would you like a jacket?” “And pretty much 100 percent it’s been yes,” said Rose Eaton.

The community response has been good.

In the last few weeks they’ve received more than 50 coats and jackets.

“Once you get the word out, the talk starts going on,” said Sunshine Freestyle owner Rick Wenzlik. “Everybody’s got a jacket that they don’t wear anymore.”

If you would like to help donations are being accepted until the end of January.

“Blankets are appreciated too as long as they’re not down blankets because feathers get wet,” said Rose Eaton.

The couple said they particularly need jackets that are big and waterproof to help shield the rain.