The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and Shimkat Motor Co. have begun their annual coat drive titled Coats for Kids.

They are seeking the community’s help in fulfilling the need for warm winter gear for local children. Donations of new or gently used clean coats, gloves, hats, snow pants and boots are being accepted now at Shimkat Motor Co.

Monetary donations in any amount for the purchase of coats are also being accepted. If your workplace has a jeans day or other type of fundraiser, consider giving a donation to the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and write Coats for Kids in the memo line. Monetary donations can be mailed to the health center located at 126 N. 10th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.

Shimkat Motor Co., 3126 Fifth Ave. S., serves as the primary collection location.

Items can also be donated at Mineral City Mill and Grill, 2621 Fifth Ave. S.; Papa Murphy’s Pizza, 2813 Fifth Ave. S.; Coldwell Banker, 1728 Central Ave.; or Starbucks, 2940 Fifth Ave. S.

All sizes are needed, from babies and toddlers to high schoolers. The collection will continue through Nov. 10.

The Community Health Center works with local schools to identify kids who are in need of coats. In addition, there is a public distribution day where any child is able to come and get a coat who needs one.

“It can be for a baby or a high school-age kid; we want any kid who needs a coat to be able to have one,” said Regina Suhrbier, outreach coordinator for Community Health Center of Fort Dodge.

The public distribution will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Nov. 23 via a drive-thru at the health center, 126 N. 10th St. Anyone in need of a child’s coat can drive through. Staff will greet them at their vehicle to see what size is needed. Then they will deliver the coat directly to the vehicle.

Coats for Kids was started by Lisa Shimkat, who as a Fort Dodge Community School District board member, learned firsthand of the need. The program grew, and a partnership was formed with Community Health Center of Fort Dodge more than 10 years ago to take over the organization and planning,

“It is a wonderful example of good people, local business and the health center working together to fill a need in our community,” Suhrbier said.