Coats for Colfax distribution successful

Numerous coats were collected for the Coats for Colfax drive, which was started in an effort to keep donated coats local for the benefit of the local community.

The first distribution of coats from the Coats for Colfax drive was Saturday, and many people were able to benefit from it.

“Everybody that came in for coats left with coats,” said Michele Olson, who was one of the organizers for the drive.

Olson said about 25-30 people were able to come in and get coats, including one family of seven who were all able to be outfitted with coats.

“It was just nice to do that,” said Olson. “I was happy to do it, that’s for sure.”

Olson said several coats still remain at the Eagles Club, and she speculating that weather may have played a factor in some people not yet taking advantage of the opportunity to snag a coat.

“I don’t know that it is really cold enough for people to start thinking about wearing coats,” she said, adding that she saw some people out in shorts on Saturday.

Olson said there has been no decision made yet on what to do with the leftover coats, but she talked about the possibility of adding another distribution date after Thanksgiving and also said she plans to keep some of the kids coats to use for The Giving Tree. She also said people are still welcome to call for coats.

The collection bins will no longer be at locations within town, as all the bins are now at the Eagles Club, but Olson did say donations can still be accepted. She also said some people donated money, which will be used to purchase some coats to meet needs that were unable to be met with the coats donated.

“I have three people to shop for coats for,” she said, noting the list which has been compiled.

The coats, for now, will remain at the Eagles Club, and anyone is welcome to call to request a coat, Olson said.

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