Atlantic City's mission to give coats to those in need got a comedic boost Saturday.
Comedian Josh Johnson asked those attending his shows at the Tropicana Atlantic City bring new or gently used coats to help the city's Re-entry Services.
"Josh and his team reached out through email stating that, as they travel to different cities, they research entities that do work in the community and were interested in partnering with us," Re-Entry Services Director Kamau Johnson explained.
"It was a great feeling for our team to be recognized," he said.
Josh Johnson is a stand-up comic who recently got added to the rotation of "The Daily Show" anchors after working on the show since 2017.
He announced the drive in emails that he had teamed up with the Atlantic City group to support the winter coat drive.
"If you're coming to one of the shows, please consider bringing a gently used or new coat donation with you to the venue," he wrote. "Your contribution will go directly to helping neighbors stay warm this winter."
Brandan Hargrose and Ashley Ingram were on hand to collect the coats.More than 50 coats were collected over the two shows, they said.
"The event was great," Hargrose said."It was a way to get some more donations for our event, Heat the Streets, that is coming up to feed the homeless and anyone else that needs winter clothing."
The pair said they did not get a chance to meet the comedian, but his team treated them well and "were very accommodating," Ingram said.
"They made sure we were set up and kept great communication leading up to the event," Hatgrose added.
More than 50 coats were collected.
