United Way Coat Drive going strong

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Herald photo by Duane Nollen/United Way Executive Director Jill Dursky organizes some newly donated stocking caps at the United Way office Wednesday afternoon. The United Way is conducting a winter coat drive through February.

November 13, 2008

By DUANE NOLLEN

OSKALOOSA — OSKALOOSA — As temperatures dip and there’s a chill in the air, the United Way is collecting coats, hats and gloves for the needy of Mahaska County.

“We started at the first of October,” United Way Executive Director Jill Dursky said. The drive lasts “‘til winter is over,” sometime in February.

“It’s for all ages and sizes,” she said. “Anyone in Mahaska County is eligible.”

Dursky believes the need for winter clothing has increased this year.

“We gave out over 500 (coats) last year,” she said.

“I think we have more of a need this year,” she said. Just from the numbers of items United Way has given out so far, Dursky expects that number to be higher this year.

So far this year, the United Way has given out more than 258 coats, that have been documented, the actual number is much higher, she added.

Dursky believes the downturn in the economy is affecting many Mahaska County residents. Some area employers have laid off workers, and Dursky says she is helping more people who are seeking aid for the first-time.

The United Way also partners with Mahaska County schools to provide winter clothing for needy students, she said.

The United Way has conducted the coat drive for five years.

“It gets bigger and bigger,” she said. Dursky believes more people know about the drive and are giving more than they did this past year.

Dursky said the United Way needs boats, boots, snow pants, hats, gloves and scarves. “We need new, clean or gently used” items, she said.

Herald Editor Duane Nollen can be reached by email at oskynews@oskyherald.com

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