The cooler nights are a sign of things to come as frigid winter weather is just around the corner. With the Farmers Almanac predicting especially chilly temperatures this winter, local residents will be wise to have a warm coat.
For those who don’t, a collection effort is currently under way for the fourth annual Coats for the Cold. Collections began Thursday and will continue until Oct. 20 at Kroger and Beersheba Towers.
Organizer Jennifer Barrickman says she gave away over 300 coats last year and the program has been a success since its inception.
“When I started this, I really didn’t think we’d get many donations but there were 200 coats donated my first year,” said Barrickman. “That was back when the economy had taken a dive and that was really my reason for starting it. I wanted to make sure everyone who needed a coat could get one. It’s a people helping people program and it’s worked well so far.”
Barrickman is asking for gently used coats to be donated until Oct. 20. The distribution day will be Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Best Western.
Barrickman knows first hand how the Warren County community can come together to support a worthy cause. She was badly injured in an accident involving a pull-behind trailer. She slipped in mud while the trailer was going backward and its wheels rolled over her legs.
“The community was there for me and raised a lot of money during a benefit,” said Barrickman. “I spent four months in a wheelchair and I’m thankful to be walking again.”
For more information, call 607-8496.