SIDNEY — The Shelby County Community Service Council, POWER, Salvation Army and the Shelby County United Way invites area residents to join them in an effort to ensure that no child goes without a warm coat this winter.

A fall coat drive will take place Oct. 1-31 with collection barrels being placed in the community. New coats, hats, gloves and clean, gently used coats can be dropped off at barrels located at Sidney First United Methodist Church, Connection Point Church of God, Lochard Inc., Rolling Hills, Sidney Shelby County YMCA, Sidney Police Department, Kroger, Ron & Nita’s, Fifth Third Bank Downtown branch, Shoe Sensation and the United Way. New coats can be purchased at the Sidney Walmart and dropped off after purchase at Walmart, People’s Federal Saving Loan branch. Coats will go directly to the schools to benefit local children in Shelby County.

The fall coat drive program provides an easy way for individuals and families to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors by donating new coats or passing along gently used coats and jackets that are no longer needed.

“Last year there was an increased need for middle school coats as well as the traditional elementary sizes. We would appreciate donations of coat sizes for both boys and girls sizes 5T through adult XL. Over 200 coats were distributed last winter,” said Scott Barr, executive director of the Shelby County United Way.

The community coat drive continues the legacy and commitment of the late Bill McMillan, a former Sidney police officer, whose past coat drives impacted countless lives. The Sidney Hampton Inn has agreed to wash all gently used coats. Referrals for coats come from the local school districts and coats are distributed directly at the school’s request. If you do not have a coat to donate, you can help provide financial support by sending a check to the Shelby County United Way, memo line coat drive, P.O. Box 751 Sidney, OH 45365

For more information, contact the Shelby County United Way at 937-492-2101.