Local Woman Leads Coat Drive for Area Kids

It was a sweltering September morning, but Diana Conn had one thing on her mind: winter coats. In fact, Conn begins thinking about winter coats about the same time as everyone else wants to put them away.

“I start collecting children’s coats in the spring,” she shared. “I often go to rummage sales and ask them if they would be willing to donate winter coats to Westminster Community Center.”

Conn has collected coats for Westminster Community Center for many years. Three years ago, she began involving First Baptist Church as a collection point. She also involves her family and friends in coat collection.

“I hate to think of kids being cold, waiting on the bus or walking to school in the cold,” she noted. “Kids outgrow coats before they wear them out, so kids’ coats can be used by multiple different children before they get worn out.”

After Diana drops off the coats, Westminster Community Center Director Jeff Kundert stores them. As the weather turns colder, Kundert reaches out to area schools and reminds them that coats are available for kids in need.

“We appreciate our partnerships with area schools and invite school administrators and teachers to reach out to us when they see a student who needs a coat,” Kundert expressed.

It isn’t too late to drop off coats at Westminster Community Center. Donations can be received on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. If this time isn’t convenient, donors can call 765-529-5124 to set up a drop-off time.

“It’s an easy thing for people to do,” Conn said. “Check your closet for coats you don’t need anymore and keep an eye open at rummage sales and you can help keep a child warm this winter.”