For the ninth consecutive year, the Fairfield County Department of Job and Family Services and a local insurance agent are seeking donations of coats to keep people warm this winter.

The collection drive is underway and will continue through January.
 
County officials are hoping to top last year's drive, which brought in more than 2,000 coats, despite a slow start.

"This year it's been very slow," said Jenny Ruff, community resource coordinator for Fairfield County Job and Family Services.

The Pickerington collection point for the coat drive is the State Farm Insurance office at 194 W. Church St. This is the fourth year in which agent Keely Weaver has participated in the drive.

"I'm taking anything from adult to kids' sizes," Weaver said. "If people want to drop off hats or gloves, that's great, too.

"I think families this year are probably more in need than ever before."

Donations of new or gently used winter coats, hats and gloves can be left in a drop box at Weaver's office Monday through Friday through Nov. 24.

In Lancaster, drop boxes are stationed at the county JFS offices, 239 W. Main St., the Lancaster Eagle Gazette, 138 W. Chestnut St., or at Fashion & Vanity Cleaners' two locations, 1145 N. Memorial Drive and 1105 E. Main St.
 
Ruff said donations will be accepted throughout the winter months.
 
As has been the case in recent years, the Lovell family, which owns Fashion & Vanity Cleaners, cleans all the donated items before they are distributed. The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office helps deliver coats and other winter clothes to identified people in need.

Those who need a winter coat, hat or gloves for themselves or a family member can receive them by visiting the county JFS offices, 239 W. Main St., Lancaster, or by calling the offices at (740) 689-4840.

"There are no financial qualifications," Ruff said. "We just remind people this is donation-driven, so we can't guarantee we'll have their perfect size. They can always call in advance, though, and ask what we have available."