Winter Coats Needed To Help Those Less Fortunate

Sabina De Jong stands at the Klothes Kloset with a sparsely filled rack of winter coats behind her.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Old Man Winter has arrived to Mahaska County, and the cold temps he’s brought have made life miserable for those unable to afford a coat capable of keeping someone warm against those harsh Iowa winter winds.

Around town are some unassuming cardboard boxes. Those boxes enable residents to donate those unused winter coats to the needy of Mahaska County. The United Way of Mahaska County then sends the collected coats to the Klothes Kloset at the old Jefferson School.

Sabina De Jong, who manages the outreach, said that children’s coats are in high demand. “We do need hats and gloves along with scarves. Everything winter. Boots, whatever they have that’s winter.” Snow bibs are also great.

The largest need in children’s winter wear is sizes 12, 14 and 16, but all sizes are needed, especially in children’s sizes.

De Jong explained that anything that is donated is then given freely.

At this point, at least 170 coats have found new homes, and the rack is sparsely populated by available coats. Adult hats and gloves would also be appreciated.

“A lot of these kids have to stand outside to wait for the bus,” advised De Jong. “That’s what I’m concerned about.”

You can also bring your donation in to the Klothes Kloset. They are open Monday through Friday 9am to 4pm. Saturdays, 9am to 2pm.

De Jong emphasized, “Anything winter.”