Williamson County Sheriff Bennie Vick says a possible scam is operating in the area involving his agency.
He says local businesses have reported receiving calls from a person who claims they are representing the Williamson County Sheriff's Office to raise money to provide coats for needy children.
Vick says the Williamson County Sheriff's Office is not raising money for this purpose, and is not aware of any legitimate law enforcement organization that is soliciting cash donations by telephone for this purpose.
The Carbondale Police Department, SIU Department of Public Safety, and SIU Department of Athletics are currently holding a coat drive, but they are requesting new coats to be dropped off at specific locations. They are not calling businesses for cash donations. For more information on the Carbondale Coats for Kids drive contact Carbondale PD Sgt. Amber Ronketto at 618-547-3200 ext. 465.
Sheriff Vick wants people to remember to be careful with their charitable donations this Holiday Season.