Fall is well on its way, and with it brings a brisk reminder that winter is not too far off. As cooler temps creep in, United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties reminds you that the annual coat collection kicks off October 1st and will run through the 18th. Gently used coats, snow pants, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and boots are being accepted and can be dropped off at the United Way office located at 503 Hawthorne Street, Alexandria or at any of the participating locations below. There is always more demand than can be filled for children’s coats and snow pants, as well as men’s and women’s extra-large + sizes. Last year, thanks to many generous donations, United Way was able to distribute over 1,100 coats locally.
Warm winter outerwear will also be collected at the following businesses:
Alexandria locations: Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Alexandria Community & Technical College, American National Bank, Bell State Bank & Trust, Bremer Bank, Curves, Douglas County Public Health, First Lutheran Church, Gate City Bank, Glenwood State Bank, Grand Arbor, Knute Nelson, Legal Services of NW MN, US Bank, Viking Savings Bank
Glenwood locations: Curves, Eagle Bank, Glenwood State Bank, Shopko, Tom’s Food Pride, United Parish Church
Forada location: Hometown Community Bank
Starbuck locations: Tom’s Food Pride
Distribution
Distribution of winter outerwear will be ongoing throughout the year; there will not be one specific distribution date. Instead, anyone seeking a coat or winter gear is invited to stop into United Way anytime between 8 and 4, Monday-Friday to browse for the outerwear to best suit them for their winter needs. All items are offered free of charge. The United Way office is located in downtown Alexandria at 503 Hawthorne Street.
United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on EDUCATION, INCOME and HEALTH. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement and good health.
Our goal is to create long lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. We invite you to be part of the change. Together we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.
For more information on how to GIVE, ADVOCATE, and VOLUNTEER visit www.uwdp.org or call 834-7800.