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
Homepage
Related Photos
-
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.
United Way Coat Drive going strong
- Local News
-
-
Mall transforms into golf course for YMCA Osky Winter Open
Kara Denburger, of Oskaloosa, gets ready to hit the ball at the first hole at the YMCA's Osky Winter Open fund-raiser at Penn Central Mall Friday night.
-
Education a hot topic at Eggs & Issues
- VanWeelden sentencing set for April 16
-
Christian Opportunity Center reaches out to community
-
Barnstormers coaches tour PAC
They’re getting a feel for the facility.
Continued ...
-
- CNHI/Southeast Iowa
-
-
Couple married 65 years dies 88 minutes apart
James Landis' was at his wife's side when she died after a long illness. Only 88 minutes later he was gone, too.
Continued ... -
SUV slams into home
A teenage driver is blamed for driving an SUV halfway into a house after losing control.
Continued ... -
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Creates $16,692,140 Impact on Local Economy
Knoxville Hospital & Clinics generates 254 jobs that add $16,692,140 to Knoxville’s economy, according to the latest study by the Iowa Hospital Association. In addition, KHC employees by themselves spend $3,648,112 on retail sales and contribute $218,887 in state sales tax revenue.
Continued ... -
Centerville delays donation decision for Rathbun Lake Area YMCA
Many spoke out during the public hearing for Highway 2 and 5 lane configuration. Currently, both state highways are three lanes through Centerville.
Continued ... -
Winter Family Times
-
Couple married 65 years dies 88 minutes apart
- Sports
-
-
High school bowling makes return to Osky
Oskaloosa’s Brianna Martin follows through on a shot prior to Wednesday’s action against Pella Christian at Mahaska Bowl. Martin had a 183 series to help the Indians win the girls’ dual. The Eagles would capture the boys’ dual.
After a long absence, high school bowling returned to the city of Oskaloosa on Wednesday.
Continued ... -
Fast start allows Oskaloosa to crush Tigers
Oskaloosa took control of its game with Grinnell in the first quarter and never looked back, winning 64-33 Tuesday night.
Continued ... -
William Penn Sports Report
Latest sports news from William Penn University.
Continued ... -
YMCA Dolphins in action
The Mahaska County YMCA Dolphins were in action Jan. 28.
Continued ... -
Giants top Pats for 2nd Super Bowl in 4 years
Oskaloosa native Tyler Sash had a role in the New York Giants' 21-17 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI Sunday,
Continued ...
-
- Obituaries
