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With the Oct. 12 deadline fast approaching, and the cold weather season on the horizon, only 100 good used coats have been collected since the campaign began on Sept. 7 Ð a significant drop from previous years.

Generally by this time in the drive, 400 coats have been placed in drop boxes in stores around the area.

The decrease is worrisome, because volunteers anticipate more families may need coats due to the downturn in the economy.

"Generally we have approximately 200 to 300 families coming in for coats on giveaway day," said Linda Camburn of Snover, who is organizing the drive through the Sandusky Association of Churches and Department of Human Services.

"This year, I guess with the economy and everything else, people are hanging on to things...And the fact that the weather's not cold enough for people to start looking in their attics and closets (for coats to donate)."

In past years the drop boxes in bigger stores like Wal-Mart, Kmart and Jerry's Foodland, all in Sandusk, would be filled at this point in the campaign. This year, that hasn't happened.

"It's really tough because normally I empty boxes every couple days. But I walk into Wal-Mart two weeks straight and - oops (there aren't many items)."

Coats for Kids needs clean coats in good repair. The most urgently needed sizes are children's 6 through adult 4X. Adult coats must be in styles teens would wear to school.

The campaign also accepts donations of boots, hats, scarves and mittens.

Drop boxes are in area stores and at the Department of Human Services on M-19 south of Sandusky. If you can't find a box and have donations, contact Camburn at 810-672-9017.

The giveaway will be Monday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Sandusky United Methodist Church. Anyone needing a coat for a Sanilac County child is welcome.

Financial donations are accepted for Coats for Kids at DHS Volunteer Services. Make checks out to Volunteer Services, note on memo section of check Coats for Kids, and send to Volunteer Services, DHS, 515 S. Sandusky Rd., Sandusky, MI 48471. Tax eligible receipts are provided.