16th annual Coats for Kids collection effort under way

The Putnam County Youth Development Commission is requesting the public's support of its 16th annual Coats for Kids Campaign.

New or gently used coats of all sizes from infants all the way through teen years are needed. There is also a need for hats, and mittens or gloves to ensure our youth are warm during the wintry months ahead.

Coats that need to be dry cleaned or are damaged cannot be accepted. Donations will be accepted at all Putnam County school corporations until Friday, Oct. 9 and Putnam County businesses until Friday, Oct. 16.

Interested persons can donate at the following locations: All Putnam County school corporations, Area 30 Career Center, Charlie's, Ivy Tech Community College, Walmart Supercenter, TCU, Kroger, Greencastle City Hall, Putnam County Public Library, Putnam County Hospital, Putnam County Extension Office and Old National Bank.

The goal is to collect more than 700 coats, hats and mittens/gloves for Putnam County children.

Distribution day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Harris Hall at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. No questions will be asked. However, it is requested that parents/guardians be prepared to share what school corporation they live in. A reminder: parent/guardians must accompany children.

Without the generosity of the following organizations this annual outreach would not continue to be possible.

On behalf of the many children in Putnam County who are served by this annual event, the Putnam County Youth Development Commission thanks the following: Greencastle Kiwanis, Kappa Delta Phi sorority, Kroger, Putnam County Extension Homemakers, Ray's Trash Service, United Way of Putnam County, Walmart Supercenter and the Putnam County schools.

For questions or more information, persons may contact the PC Youth Development Office with questions at 653-9342.