Do you have old coats in your closet? Well, you might want to think about donating it because there are people in Michiana who could really use some help this winter.

For the last thirty years, all 10 Ziker Cleaner locations have collected gently used coats from the community to donate to their “Coats for Kids” program.

Although they collect coats for adults and teenagers, the greatest need is for child size machine washable coats that can be easily maintained.

“We need to have a good 800 to 1,000 coats available,” said Jennifer Probst, the Retail Store Director of Ziker Cleaners.

Today, they are doing their biggest distribution here at Navarre Middle School from 9 a.m. To noon, or while supplies last.

“Kids don’t really have the opportunity. It’s not like they have a job and can go out and buy their own coat you know they’re at the mercy of others so this is a big deal to us,” Probst said.

“We want to make sure that the kids are warm when the snow does hit and 40 below hits that when they’re at the bus stop they have a good winter coat on,” Probst said.

After the coat drive, they will continue collecting coats through December 17th. Those coats will be distributed to people in need in Mishawka, Elkhart and Goshen.

You can donate coats at any Ziker Cleaners location in their donation box.