Organizer grateful

Dear McCook,

Since the late '70s a winter coat distribution has been held in McCook for anyone that had a need for a warm coat. About 15 years ago I was asked to coordinate this event and have done so since. As Community Services Coordinator for Community Action Partnership Of Mid-Nebraska, covering the seven southwest counties, it is a perfect fit.

This annual event has grown to include any warm winter clothing. Clothing is collected throughout the year as well as a clothing drive for two days while we set up for this event.

With well over 60 volunteers, with students from the Alternative Education Program, Boy Scout Troop No. 147 and people from all over our community . The days start at 8 a.m. and go until 7 each night. In two short days, we set up and organized well over 1,200 coats, estimated 3,000 sweaters ( our ongoing joke is there is 12 sweater minimum for each customer), plus all the jeans, shirts, Nebraska and Bison items, baby clothes, childrens' clothes as well as hats, gloves, socks and scarves. Donations were received from the entire area, including a special donation from a friend in Lexington of 124 homemade knitted hats.

The past several years an anonymous donor has purchased new children's to teen coats, $1,000 is spent, but with the help of our great staff at our local JC Penneys' making sure that all possible discounts are given, has turned into almost $3,000 worth of beautiful coats. A local lady (80-plus year old) made 10 baby quilts, all unique. Grade school children collected coats and other warm clothes, the area Thrift Stores donate many coats, boots and other warm clothes and many individuals who brought items to the former National Guard Armory.

The true impact of this event is never measured in just numbers. It can only be gauged by the smiles of those leaving the building with "new" things to wear. On Thursday evening, four sisters from 5 to 14-ish were brought in by a family friend. I witnessed four very cordial young ladies enjoy a shopping spree that was a true joy to watch. It was made even better by the surprise of a $3 find made by the youngest in the pocket of the coat she selected.

A BIG Warm Thank You goes to the staff at McCook Schools, Fraternal Order Of Eagles 2769, Suzanne Cole, Western Tire, JC Penney's, McCook National Bank, Margaret Nielsen and June Jolly for their homemade hats and blankets, respectively. KICX and KIOD along with their sister stations. A HUGE Thank you to Connie Discoe from the Gazette for all the "advertising," McCook Alternative Education LIFT students and their GREAT Teachers, the core of volunteers that put in time each day, those that came and helped for a few hours and the entire Southwest Nebraska Community for donations and help. We had over 460 man hours in this 4 ½ day event. The true spirit of giving is alive and well in Southwest Nebraska!

At this time of Thanksgiving I am so thankful for where I live and the people that live in this great community.

Barb Ostrum,

Coat Closet organizer

McCook, Nebraska