On behalf of the United Way of Mower County Board of Directors, United Way staff and members of the First United Methodist Church I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the Mower County area for their support of the third annual Community Outerwear Drive for Kids.

Currently, 158 children have received needed and necessary winter outerwear.

A special thank you to the YMCA for their help in collecting, sorting and washing of donated items.  Thank you to our partners: Austin Public and Catholic Schools, ARC, Grand Meadow School, Hormel Foods Plant, Quality Pork Processor, Austin Medical Center, Lyle School, Le Roy School, Southland Schools, Welcome Center, Target Stores, St. Augustine and St. Edwards Catholic churches, Our Savior’s Church, US Bank, Parenting Resource Center and SEMCAC.

I would also like to thank the Oak Park Mall, Delta Dry Cleaners, Younkers and Shopko.  No good or worthy project can succeed without the assistance of volunteers.  Thank you to Carol Anderson, Sharon Schmeling, the Koehler family and members of Workforce Development for volunteering their time to help make the coat drive a success.

And finally thank you.  This coat drive was a success because of the generous donations and support from the community.

When we change the life of one, we influence the condition of all.

Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt

Executive Director