Exciting new changes in the annual community winter outerwear drive

United Way of Mahaska County

Oskaloosa, IA-As the cooler weather approaches, many of our residents will begin to think about donating outerwear this winter to help others who cannot afford the basic necessities to stay warm.

The United Way of Mahaska County has tapped the New Hope Community Center to make some exciting new changes in the annual winter coat drive. New Hope Community Center, located at 308 5th Ave W in Oskaloosa, currently runs the Klothes Kloset, which accepts donated clothing all year round. The Kloset offers the opportunity for the general public to purchase clothing at a very reasonable cost, provides assistance to those faced with disasters, and receives referrals from area agencies to assist our residents. Along with the space available to place the donated outerwear from the coat drive each year, the Klothes Kloset is convenient and one-stop place for those in the community that would like to receive a winter coat and possibly pick up some additional warm weather items to get through the winter.

“United Way is excited to have the New Hope Community Center as the winter outerwear destination in the community,” says Brianne Fitzgerald, Executive Director at The United Way of Mahaska County. “New Hope is an agency partner with United Way, and our goal is to put support behind our agency partners to continue to provide services to those in our community. New Hope, as well as United Way, wants to make sure everyone is warm this winter.”
New Hope has new hours of operation, and will be open from 9 AM until 5 PM, Monday through Friday. We ask that community members who would like to donate the outerwear and for those seeking assistance to go to New Hope to drop off or acquire the items they need during those times. New Hope Community Center can also be reached at 641-676-1601.

There is a possibility that the Klothes Kloset will not always have items in every size or color throughout the duration of this drive. Community members can check back often to see if a particular size or item is available. Please keep in mind that the Klothes Kloset will not buy new winter items to accommodate specific requests, and the donated items will be issued on a first come, first serve basis. Please remember that children’s sizes and plus sized outerwear and accessories are in high demand each year, and your donations are needed!