The uncommonly cold October has even more Minnesotans talking about the weather than normal. As people prepare for the long winter ahead, United Community Action Partnership is seeing an even greater need for their Coats for Kids program.
“Coats for Kids provided winter jackets for 450 children last year,” said UCAP Executive Director Nancy Straw. “Requests for coats this year are already over 850.”
UCAP wants to meet every request for a warm winter jacket, but as of right now they’ve only received around 200 donations. Distribution of coats is less than two weeks away, so the need is immediate.
“This program relies 100 percent on donation
s,” said Straw. “Please look through your closets and donate gently worn children’s coats.”
People who no longer have last year’s coat hanging in the closet can still help. Coats for Kids also accepts monetary donations. “Any money we receive is used to purchase winter clothing for kids whose size is not available from coats that are donated,” she said.
Donations are being accepted at Coats for Kids collection bins in Marshall and surrounding communities or at the Marshall UCAP office through October 17th. Donated coats should be in good condition. Carrow’s Cleaners in Marshall has donated cleaning services to make them look like new. Coats will be given to kids, by appointment, October 22 and 23 at the Marshall Area YMCA.
Anyone who can’t help with donations can still help make sure Coats for Kids is successful. “Volunteers from across the community will help to distribute the coats,” Straw said.
Contact:
Shelly Castaneda
507-537-1416 ext. 2101
[email protected]
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