A coat drive is helping keep Southern Illinois children warm this winter.
The New Coats, New Hope campaign is collecting donations to purchase new coats for children affected by abuse, neglect, disaster or personal need. The coats will be available with no questions asked.
The drive is sponsored by WIBH radio and the Southern 7 Health Department. Health Department Community Outreach Director Shawnna Rhine said they expect a greater need for coats this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With some people being out of work, maybe things being a little tighter than usual, as well as kids just needing something brand new, a lot of kids are going through a lot of issues this time of year, as well as almost every day,” Rhine said.
Twenty dollars will purchase one coat, but Rhine said donations of any amount are appreciated.
Donations can be sent to WIBH radio or made online at operationwarm.org/wibh.
