BURR! It’s getting chillier out there. Help share the warmth with those in our community that need it!
The 10th Annual Winter Coat Drive is taking place now until January 31st, 2018.
Collection boxes for the drive will be placed at 18 locations around Oskaloosa. The drive is a great opportunity for community members to clean out their closets and make an impact during the season of giving. Items collected during the Winter Coat Drive are given to people in need at no charge.
Accepted donations include winter coats, snow boots, snow pants, winter hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, and other winter outerwear. Whenever possible, please launder items prior to donation. Organizers stress that the collection boxes for the drive are strictly for donations of winter outerwear.
Donations of other items including sweatshirts, fall jackets, rain coats, ball caps, etc. must be made directly to New Hope Community Center at 308 5th Ave West.
The need for warm winter clothing is a serious one, especially in Iowa. The average winter temperature in Iowa for 2016/17 was 26.5 degrees F. Last year, 300 warm winter coats were distributed to those in need, many of whom would have otherwise gone without.
Winter Coat Drive collection boxes can be found at the following Oskaloosa businesses:
- Central United Methodist Church
- Fareway
- Hawkeye Real Estate
- Gatton Realty
- Homestead of Oskaloosa
- Hy-Vee
- KBOE/KMZN Radio
- Mahaska
- Mahaska County YMCA
- Mahaska Drug
- MCG
- MidWestOne Bank
- Musco
- New Hope Community Center
- Oskaloosa Public Library
- Remax Pride Realty
- St. Mary’s Catholic Church
- First Christian Church
- United Way of Mahaska County
United Way and New Hope need your help to spread the word and help keep our community warm this winter. Challenge friends and family to clean out their closets and donate winter items they no longer use – every donation helps keep someone safe and warm!
All donated items from the Winter Coat Drive are distributed at New Hope Community Center, at 308 5 th Ave. West. New items arrive each week. For assistance, check with a volunteer, or call New Hope at 641-676-1602.
Volunteers are needed to help with the drive. For more information about this service opportunity, please contact Timothy Gibson at 641-673- 6043, or uwmc.coordinator@gmail.com.