Coat drive donations needed

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha (SSVP) is preparing to give away more than 5,000 coats and other winter apparel to people in need through its 21st Annual Winter Coat Drive and Apparel Giveaways.

But the organization needs help, said Tim Sully, development director.

SSVP is asking for new or gently used, clean coats and items such as hats, scarves and gloves.

The coats and other items will be given away at two different times and locations.

The first will be Saturday, Oct. 11, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the gymnasium on the grounds of Assumption Catholic Church and Assumption-Guadalupe School, 5602 S. 22nd St. in Omaha.

The second will be Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Omaha Home for Boys’ Eugene C. Eppley Recreation Center/Gymnasium at 4343 N. 52nd St. in Omaha.

Anyone who wants to receive a coat or other clothing items is welcome.

Donations can be dropped off at SSVP thrift stores during donation hours and should be marked with “coat drive.”

The items can be delivered to the SSVP store at 5505 N. 90th St. in Omaha from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at the store at 2101 Leavenworth St. in Omaha from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday through Friday; at the store at 807 Tara Plaza in Papillion from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday; and at the 12301 West Center Road in Omaha store from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Another option is to order new winter coats through the Knights of Columbus “Coats for Kids” website. SSVP is looking for orders of winter/extreme weather clothing from the site.

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