The idea of not having a winter coat or proper winter apparel when the cold weather approaches is a scary thought for some Chippewa Valley residents, but it’s a harsh reality for many others. As of 2013, approximately 22 percent of residents in the Eau Claire area were living below the poverty level, which means that many of them struggle to stretch their dollars on necessities such as food, clothes, heat, and medicine. The King’s Closet, which is dedicated to providing free apparel to those in need, partnered up with HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital and Redeeming Grace Church to help drive this statistic down by promoting a coat and blanket drive running from Aug. 27 to Sept. 28. 

The drive specifically focuses on collecting infant and children winter attire, including coats, hats, mittens, scarves, and boots of all sizes as well as adult winter attire, including coats sizes XL, XXL, and XXXL. In addition, heavy blankets are also in high demand for individuals and families who struggle with heating their homes during the colder months. 

The designated daily drop off site is at Sacred Heart Hospital, 900 W. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire. Items can be dropped off in the hospital’s main entrance near the front desk or at the north colleague entrance. The King’s Closet, 310 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire, will accept all donations on Thursdays from 10am to 5pm.

Items collected at this drive will be disseminated at Redeeming Grace Church, 312 S. Barstow St, Eau Claire, on a first-come, first-served basis to those in need on Oct. 1 from 9am to 3pm.