A winter coat drive for the Salvation Army is taking place.

Children and families in Northern Chautauqua County will receive help with obtaining winter coats this year from the Salvation Army in Dunkirk.

The coat drive is a continuation of the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County’s annual initiative, which for many years collected and distributed hundreds of coats to residents.

With the cold months fast approaching, The Salvation Army of Dunkirk has stepped up to partner with the now merged United Ways of Chautauqua County to collaborate on the winter coat drive. Both organizations feel a partnership approach makes the most sense.

“It’s important that a local organization working directly with families also be collecting and distributing these much-needed winter coats,” said Amy Rohler, Executive Director of the United Ways of Chautauqua County. “The partnership streamlines the process and it gives the Salvation Army the opportunity to see what other needs a family might have, enabling the agency to connect them to other programs they offer.”

The Salvation Army of both Dunkirk and in Jamestown are supported through United Way’s annual fundraising campaign, which is now underway with a goal raising of $1.8 million dollars countywide this year. As a result of the annual fundraising campaign, the United Ways of Chautauqua County is able to fund 48 local programs facilitated by 34 community agencies. Last year, that investment impacted the lives of local individuals 32,991 times.

Major John Merchant of the Salvation Army of Dunkirk expressed his gratitude for the community’s ongoing support of the coat drive and for United Way’s long running partnership.

“There continues to be a great need for winter clothing each year, and with the help of our generous community, we can make sure no child or family goes without the warmth they will need in the coming months,” Merchant said. “Together with United Way, we’re proud to help our neighbors in need.”

The success of each year’s coat drive is due to both the support of the community as well as the partnership of community agencies such as the Salvation Army and United Way. For this year’s Winter Coat Drive, the Salvation Army will also be teaming up with Catholic Charities in order to provide coats for their clients and to identify how the two agencies can better serve the community.

While all donations of new or gently used coats are accepted, there is a great need for children’s sizes.

Collection for the Winter Coat Drive is now ongoing and coats will be distributed throughout the month of November. Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Dunkirk Corps location Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. Coat pickup can also be arranged by appointment. Contact the Salvation Army for more information by calling 716-366-3701.

If you need help with winter coats, contact The Salvation Army of Dunkirk by calling 716-366-3701.