Koats 4 Kids seeks donated winter gear

Today's Civic Women, Movie Magic and Uptown Dry Cleaners & Laundry will again sponsor Koats 4 Kids this fall.

The annual drive collects donated coats and other winter clothing for Nodaway County children whose families may not be able to afford such purchases.

Organizers are seeking to acquire new and gently used children's coats, sized infant through child XL, along with new mittens, gloves or hats.

Today's Civic Women has been involved with Koats 4 Kids for more than 10 years. Officials for the group emphasized that all donations stay in Nodaway County.

Koats 4 Kids Chairperson Jennifer Jensen said donations were down last year, and that the service organization is hoping more people will participate in 2012.

"It is really rewarding to give to the kids," Jensen said. "Especially helping local children. We keep all donations here in the county."

Most schools have a policy that children are not allowed outside for recess on cold days if they lack appropriate clothing.

The coat collection begins Sept. 17 and will run through Oct. 19. There are two drop-off sites: Movie Magic at 216 W. Third and Uptown Dry Cleaners & Laundry at 514 N. Main.

Donors who take coats to Movie Magic will receive a free movie rental.

There will also be a collection night on October 5 at the Maryville High School football game.

TCW members will also accept monetary donations.

"It's just great to see friends and family reach out to the community and give back to these kids," Jensen said.