A husband-wife argument about their closet began a feel-good community effort entering its 7th year

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“Having a warm coat in the winter is something many of us take for granted”, said Ryan Ray, resource development manager at the Salvation Army. “But but there are far too many people lacking the funds to meet their families’ most basic necessities: food, shelter and clothing.”

This is the seventh year for the coat drive, which began as an argument between Frank Lewis, owner of Jackson, Lytle & Lewis Life Celebration Center and his wife, when they couldn’t decide who had more coats in the closet, so they took them out to count.

Realizing they had more coats than necessary, they looked for someone to help them distribute the coats they compiled collected. From that year on, they teamed up with the Salvation Army to help get warm coats into the the hands of those that needed them.

“Most all of us have a coat or two sitting in our closet that we haven’t worn for years and this gives it a home and a person that will put it to good use,” said Lewis. “Some people will even buy a coat at a second hand store to donate.”

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Used coats are acceptable as long as they are in good condition with working fasteners and no rips or stains. Other types of outerwear are acceptable and appreciated, like sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts, hats and gloves.

The drive will go on through the end of October and the coats will then be distributed to people in need at no cost. Coats can be dropped off at Jackson, Lytle & Lewis Life Celebration Center 2425 N. Limestone. Call 937-399-2811 for more information.

The Salvation Army will help distribute coats through its agencies.