Winter coat drive to distribute free coats next week

by Steve Guntli

Volunteers for the winter coat drive program spent the summer collecting coats from the community, and next week they will pass those along to those in need.

For three days next week, volunteers will distribute free winter coats at the Blaine Community Assistance Program (CAP) Clothing Bank, located adjacent to the Blaine Food Bank at 500 C Street. The drive is co-sponsored by CAP and the Interfaith Coalition.

Jerry Williams, executive director of CAP, anticipates distributing upwards of 400 coats. The charity has been collecting coats since June 2. Several churches and 10 local businesses acted as collection points for the charity drive, which CAP has been operating for more than 10 years.

Coats will be distributed on Tuesday, October 14 from 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, October 15 from 5 to 7 p.m., and Friday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to noon.

For those interested in donating, there is still time to turn in winter coats. The collection deadline is Monday, October 13. Blaine Visitor’s Center is a collection point and is open seven days a week.

For more information, contact Williams at 360/739-8184.