Judges Begin Coat Drive For Defendants

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - This is the weather for coat and sweater drives. But the fifth floor of the Allegheny County Courthouse may seem an unusual location for a donated clothing collection box. Judge Kevin Sasinoski sorts through clothes donated to a drive that has just begun. As Judge of the DUI and Prostitution courts, he hopes to give defendants a hand up.

"We started to think of maybe having a clothing drive for defendants, and maybe members of defendants' families, in the specialty courts," Sasinoski says.

His court helps down-and-out defendants gain employment. However, Judge Sasinoski says, "Going on a job interview or interviewing for school, they don't have a decent thing to wear, or even a business-appropriate clothing."

He's joined in his effort by Judge John Zottola, who supervises Veterans' Court, facing vets who've returned from battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other problems.

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"I was hoping some of he clothing might also be able to be used by some of the veterans for job interviews, things of that nature," Judge Zottola says. "And also for their families. Because we're in he business of helping them regain their lives, and as a result, their families regaining their lives. And it's a win-win for everyone in the system."

The judges are more interested in solving problems than locking people up.

"It's a different, non-traditional approach, and I like that," Judge Zottola adds.

Judge Sasinoski says nice clothing may help defendants take that first step forward.

"Always pays to look good," he laughs.

For information on the judges' clothing drive, please call 412-350-2910, at the Allegheny County Courthouse.