Salvation Army Runs Low On Coats For Needy Oklahomans

A massive coat drive is underway in Central Oklahoma. The Salvation Army Central Oklahoma Area Command is desperately low on coats for the needy. That's why it's urging residents to clean out their closets and donate their gently used coats.

"It's already getting cold, and our supply of coats is running dangerously low," said Social Services Director Ashley Jones. "We also need donations of scarves, hats and gloves. Children's coats are especially needed right now."

According to the Salvation Army, the recent dip in temperature has caused more and more families to request warm winter coats. This, as the organization's supply of coats is down to only two racks.

"We saw a special need this year, since the drive had traditionally relied on large donations at special Thunder games, and that apparently won't take place in 2011," said District 2 County Commissioner Brian Maughan.

So, in an effort to help, Maughan announced a county-wide coat drive to collect gently used items for the needy. Volunteers will distribute flyers in Oklahoma County neighborhoods asking for donations. Drop off sites also will be set up.

"We will have drop boxes in place so Oklahoma County residents can drop off donated coats at convenient locations," Maughan said. "We know how generous Oklahomans can be, given the opportunity to help a neighbor."

Every year, The Salvation Army hands out several thousand coats to individuals and children. Anyone wishing to donate items or place a drop box in a public location can also call (405) 713-1502.

Coats can also be dropped off at The Salvation Army, 501 S. Harvey, or at metro participating cleaners.

List of Drop-Off Sites:

Wegener Group, 5100 N. Brookline, Suite 300

Excel Cleaners, 8900 S. Pennsylvania

Crossroads Mall

Earlywine YMCA, 11801 S. May

Greenbriar YMCA, 1500 Kingsridge Dr.

Red Cup, 3122 N. Classen

Jeff's Café, 3401 N. Classen

Downtown Library

Oklahoma County Courthouse, 320 Robert S. Kerr

Oklahoma County Social Services, 7401 NE 23

Swadleys BBQ at 7156 NW 80, 2233 W. Memorial and in Quail Springs Mall

Terry Neese Personnel, 2709 W. I-44 Service Road

OSU Extension, 930 N. Portland

Grill on the Hill, 324 SW 25

Best Cleaners, 9120 S. Western, OKC

Best Cleaners, 4440 N.W. Expressway, OKC

Best Cleaners, 11028 N. Rockwell Ave, OKC

Best Cleaners, 12101 N. MacArthur, OKC

Best Cleaners, 54 East 33rd Street, Edmond

Best Cleaners, 121 Waterloo Road, Edmond

Best Cleaners, 1004 24th Ave. NW, Norman

Brian's Automotive Services, 1324 S. Kelly, Edmond

Claire Bridge Southwest OKC Alzheimer's & Dementia Care, 10001 S. May Ave.,OKC

Nichols Hills Cleaners – All Locations