United Way kicks off annual winter wear drive
Published 7:50 am Monday, October 10, 2011
United Way of Mower County has kicked off its annual winter outerwear drive for kids.
Collection for new and gently used winter outerwear for kids has begun and runs through the end of this week. There are a number of drop off locations throughout the community: YMCA, US Bank, Accentra Credit Union, Home Federal Savings Bank, Pacelli Schools and United Way.
“Last year we gave away 420 coats to children in our county who were in need of adequate winter outerwear,” said Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, Executive Director of United Way of Mower County. “With everything we’ve seen in other areas of need, we expect the requests to be even higher this year. We want to make sure every child in Mower County has at the very least a warm winter coat. Sweatshirts and jean jackets are not going to keep anyone warm during a Minnesota winter.”
The coat drive began in 2006 and has increased in need every year.
“With the recent beautiful weather it is easy to think winter is a long way off but the reality is in a few weeks we will be in winter coats, Lighthizer-Schmidt said. “We are hoping people will take a look in their closets and donate any child sized winter coats that are in good, clean condition and are no longer being used by their family. Any coats we do not get donated we will try to purchase so cash donations are also very helpful.”
Anyone who knows of a child in need of a coat must register. Contact SEMCAC at 507-433-5889, the Welcome Center at 507-434-2863, the Salvation Army at 507-437-4566, the Parenting Resource Center at 507-437-8330, the YMCA at 507-433-1804 or United Way at 507-437-2313. Coats will not be given out to anyone who has not registered in advance. Registration deadline is Oct. 14.
Distribution will take place at Oak Park Mall from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 24.
United Way is in need of volunteers to help collect, sort and display coats. To volunteer, contact Melissa at 507-437-2313. Any adult coats that are donated will be given to the Salvation Army. Any adult in need of a winter coat should stop by the Salvation Army office.
