Coats for Kids distribution set Saturday

The annual Coats for Kids distribution event is set for 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 at Harris Hall at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Anyone whose child needs a coat is welcome to attend.

“We will do our best to provide a coat, hat and mittens for them,” Putnam County Youth Development Commission Director Linda Merkel said.

All items will be new or gently used. Merkel emphasized that new items can’t be guaranteed to everyone, but will be clean and looking like new.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Each family is asked to share in which corporation they reside.

There are no further questions and no cost.

Merkel emphasized that while the event is set for four hours, supplies do go fast.

“With the weather the way it is now, I‘m sure we’ll have lots of people show up,” Merkel said.

She added that the need remains consistent, with between 300 and 400 coats handed out in recent years.

“We continue to do the best we can to meet everybody’s need,” Merkel said.

Merkel also saluted the community partners who make the event possible.

“We’re really blessed with community donations. Our community has really stepped up to help us,” Merkel said. “The Homemakers Extension Club from Greencastle has really helped us. It’s because of them that we have Harris Hall to use.

“White’s Cleaners has been a great partner for us,” she added. “They do all our cleaning at very low cost.”

Additionally, Ascena provides the racks they use to display the coats, while DePauw University prints the flyers that are sent home with school children throughout the county.

“It’s something we couldn’t do without our community,” Merkel said. “We are very grateful we have so many people who support what we’re doing.”

Anyone with questions before the event may call the Putnam County Youth Development Commission office at 653-9342 and ask for Linda or Patti.