10/18/11 It appears the wooly worms know it, as they’ve donned heavier, darker coats this year. Weather forecasters are already making their projections. It appears that those “in the know” are predicting a colder winter with even more snow than last year. And that makes Steve Keiser nervous.
“Warm Up Marshall County” is Keiser’s brainchild. Now in it’s 13th year, the coat drive was inspired when he saw a young child walking to school in bitter cold without a jacket. Keiser approached his boss at Oliver Ford and asked if they could do something to help. And the “Warm Up Marshall County” Coat Drive was born..
Several area businesses will serve as collection points, including WTCA, The Plymouth Pilot and Oliver Ford, with other partners providing products and services. Price’s Village Valet Cleaners prepares all of the coats prior to distribution, and Kabelin’s Ace Hardware provides gloves to accompany each coat.
“We’ve already heard from the Old Hoosier Wheels Car Club that they’ll be helping out. And Bill Rhodes says the VFW is behind us, as are the Disabled Veterans of America,” Keiser gratefully stated, “but if the residents of our community don’t step up with donated coats, there’s no way we’ll be able to meet the demand this year. There are a lot of people in tough spots this year.”
The coats will be distributed at the National Guard Armory in Plymouth on Saturday, November 12th from 10AM to Noon and November 13th from Noon to 2PM. There are no requirements for proof of need, but because of the demand, there will be a limit on the number of coats to one coat per person present. So if you have several children in need, please have them in attendance so that a good fit can be guaranteed.
Questions can be directed to Keiser at Oliver Ford at 948-0818.
