Winter Coat Drive going on now‏

Winter Coat Drive

Colder temps are here, and United Way of Mahaska County and New Hope Community Center want to help you make some space in your closet by donating your gently used winter coats and other winter items. All donations collected during the Winter Coat Drive go to keep individuals and families in need warm this winter season.

“There are many people in the Oskaloosa community, who can’t afford new winter clothing,” said Emily Brown, community impact coordinator for United Way of Mahaska County. “They rely on the generosity of donors to help keep them warm.”

And Brown said children are often in the most need for new winter clothing.

“Adults can have one coat for several years, but as quickly as children grow, they can need new winter gear year after year.”

Though children are some of the most vulnerable to this type of insecurity, there are many people of all ages and sizes who will need winter clothing this year. Brown encourages everybody to spread the word and encourage family and friends to get involved.

Items that are needed for the drive include winter coats, hats, scarves, earmuffs/headbands, snow boots, snow pants and gloves/mittens. Whenever possible, donated items should be laundered prior to drop-off.

Donations to the Winter Coat Drive can be made at any of these local businesses throughout the winter season: Bank Iowa, Center for Independent Living, Central United Methodist Church, Fareway, Homestead of Oskaloosa, HyVee, Mahaska County YMCA, Mahaska Drug, MidWestOne Bank, Musco, New Hope Community Center, Oskaloosa Public Library, Penn Central Mall, Smokey Row, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, United Way of Mahaska County, and the William Penn University PAC.

Items from all donation sites will be collected and distributed through New Hope Community Center at 308 5th Avenue West (641-676-1601).

Any questions about the Winter Coat Drive may be directed to Emily Brown at United Way of Mahaska County: 641-673-6043.