The YMCA of Lincoln is collecting new and gently used winter coats through Oct. 21 for People’s City Mission, with a goal of gathering at least 2,500 coats. Donations can be dropped off at all four Lincoln YMCA branches and participating locations, including Broadcast House at 4343 O St.
Dani Bryant, executive director of mission advancement for the Lincoln YMCA, told KLIN News that children’s coats and larger adult sizes are especially needed. “What we see the most need for are the kids’ coats, as well as both women’s and men’s bigger sizes of coats,” Bryant said.
Heavy winter coats are particularly helpful, Bryant said, and the drive also accepts hats and gloves. Now in its sixth year, the partnership collected nearly 12,000 coats during its first five years.
Bryant said YMCA staff help collect and distribute the donations. Distribution begins with people served by the Mission before opening to other community members who need coats for themselves and their families. A kickoff distribution is scheduled for Nov. 6 at the People’s City Mission Help Center, 6800 P St.
The four YMCA branch drop-off locations are:
- Cooper YMCA, 6767 S. 14th St.
- Copple Family YMCA, 8700 Yankee Woods Drive, Suite B.
- Fallbrook YMCA, 700 Penrose Drive, Suite B.
- Northeast YMCA, 2601 N. 70th St.
Broadcast House, near 44th and O streets, is also accepting donations. Bryant said people who miss the drive’s deadline can continue donating coats directly to People’s City Mission or its Help Center.
“I would say that if you’re not using it, there’s someone out there that could,” Bryant said.
A complete list of collection sites and additional information are available at ymcalincoln.org/events/winter-coat-drive.