A coat drive to help everyone in Chatham-Kent stay warm this winter is back.
The Salvation Army of Chatham-Kent is now collecting donations of new and gently-used winter coats that will be given to anyone in need.
"That runs until October 23rd," said Family Services Manager Allie Matthews. "What that is, is we're just asking for donations of gently-used coats. Kids and plus sizes are always the biggest need, so that's something that we are definitely in need of."
Coats can be dropped off at a number of locations, including Jiffy Lube on Keil Drive in Chatham.
"So any of our thrift store locations," said Matthews. "We have a thrift store on St. Clair Street in Chatham, we also have one in Wallaceburg on Lowe Ave. and we have one in Ridgetown on Main St."
Donations will be accepted during their regular business hours until Saturday, October 23rd. Matthews said the demand for warm coats is there.
"We handed out 816 last year. That is quite a bit, that's throughout our four locations, but there is quite a need. It was a super warm day earlier this week, but we are unfortunately rolling into the fall and winter."
Matthews said they will start to hand out vouchers for coats on Monday, October 25.
"Anyone that needs a coat can come to any of our locations. The Tilbury Help Centre also offers this as well through us. We have an office in Blenheim, Chatham, Ridgetown, and Wallaceburg. So all they have to do is come in, grab a voucher, and go to any our thrift stores and get what they need for their family."
They just ask that the coats that are donated be gently used and still wearable because they don't have the resources to fix things like broken zippers or rips.