[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=30674.27

Coat Drive Begins Monday

From Staff Reports

MICHIGAN CITY - Mayor Chuck Oberlie has announced that Michigan City residents can donate coats to needy families through City Hall.

"Beginning Oct. 22 and in the event of a chilly Trick or Treat, we will accept new and gently used coats of all sizes at City Hall," said Oberlie. "The collection site is downstairs."

Coats may be placed on the coat racks from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"Our office receives dozens of requests for children's and infant's coats and snowsuits," Oberlie said. " If you have any coats, snowsuits, snow pants, snow boots, mittens and hats that you or your children have outgrown or don't wear - things that you would give away or put into a garage sale - please consider donating them to this coat drive. Each year, on average, 600 coats of all sizes and styles are donated to and received from this campaign.

"I want to personally thank Concord Cleaners for their generous offer to clean, at no cost, any coats and snowsuits that you wish to donate to the City Hall Coat campaign," Oberlie said. "Simply drop off your coats at Concord Cleaners and say they are for the coat campaign, and Concord Cleaners will clean them and deliver them to City Hall weekly."

Sheila Bell, manager of Concord Cleaners, said, "There is such a need for this campaign in our community and we are pleased to be able to participate in it and address the needs of our local community."

"There are many people in our community who need coats to replace those their children have outgrown and who cannot afford to purchase a coat themselves," said Oberlie. "I urge this generous community to check your closets for serviceable coats for those in need. We will accept new and gently used coats of all sizes at City Hall. The weather is turning chilly, and there are children and adults who are without coats to keep them warm."

[Roger Kaputnik]

Mullen School needs belts. Call them for sizes.