10/21/13 For 15 years, residents of Marshall County have stepped up to meet the need of those who may face Indiana’s harsh winters without the basic necessity of a winter coat. And while the moderate temperatures of fall may lull us into thinking it won’t be bad this, the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a rough one.
This year’s “Warm Up Marshall County” coat collection kicks of Monday, October 21st and continues through November 16th, with drop-off points at Oliver Ford, the Pilot News and here at the WTCA Studios.
Distribution will take place on Saturday, November 23rd from 10 a.m. till noon and Sunday, November 24th from noon till 2 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Plymouth.
The coat drive…”Warm Up Marshall County”…was the brainchild of Steve Keiser of Plymouth, after witnessing a small child standing in a bitter wind with nothing more than a t-shirt to keep her warm.
Just think, that little girl is probably driving a car now…and may even be bringing her little girl to get a coat this year. It’s hard to believe it’s already been 15 years, but it has! Keiser said, “And with government programs in such a questionable state this year, we all need to step up to make sure no one falls through the cracks this winter.”
The annual coat drive encourages those who are able to do so to donate gently used coats, to be distributed to residents of Marshall County.
With the support of Oliver Ford, Keiser called on other community leaders to add their influence to the drive. As they continuously do, local media partners The Pilot News and WTCA Radio will not only serve as collection points, they will also support the efforts by promoting the collection and distribution via their various communication channels. This year includes a new partner, Smith’s Ace Hardware who in conjunction with Oliver Ford will provide a pair of mittens or gloves to accompany each coat collected. The National Guard Armory will once again donate their facility to make distribution convenient.
Anyone interested in making a donation can contact Steve Keiser at Oliver Ford at 574-935-1001 for more information.
