UCAP gears up for winter with Coats for Kids

United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) is excited to once again be partnering with local businesses, organizations and community members to keep kids warm this winter with the Coats of Kids project.

“Coats for Kids is an awesome way to see the community come together,” said Angela Larson, UCAP Family Services Director.

“People around the area donate coats and thanks to Carrow’s Cleaners and Midwest Cleaners they shine like new.”

Jim Carrow, from Carrow’s Cleaners, says, “We have been proud to be a partner in Coats for Kids since the very beginning, and we are glad to donate our work cleaning the coats to help our youngest kids stay warm.”

The community can get involved by donating winter items or signing up to receive a coat. UCAP has started collecting donations of new and gently used winter items for this annual project.

Collection bins have been placed in Marshall, Cottonwood, Minneota, and Tracy. Donations of jackets, boots, mittens, hats, and scarves can be brought to any Coats of Kids collection bins through October 17.

Monetary donations can be sent to United Community Action Partnership, Attn: Coats for Kids, 1400 S. Saratoga St. Marshall, MN 56258.

These funds will be used to meet any needs not fulfilled through donations. Families with young children can sign up to receive coats by contacting UCAP at 507-537-1416 or by visiting the UCAP Marshall office by October 10.

Coats for Kids will focus on serving young children preschool through 8th grade. Older kids and adults will be served based on items available.

Coats for Kids distribution will be held on October 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and October 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Marshall Area YMCA, 200 S. A Street, Marshall, MN 56258.

“The goal of the project is to ensure that any child needing a coat can get one to keep them warm,” said Larson.