More than 300 Mower County youth will have coats to help keep them warm this winter thanks to the joint-effort between The United Way of Mower County and First United Methodist Church.

Donations of cash and gently used coats were accepted between Oct. 5 through Oct. 16 for the annual community outerwear drive, with coat distributions taking place Oct. 26 and Oct. 27 at Oak Park Mall.

In all, 93 usable coats were donated, and 403 youngsters signed up to receive outerwear for 2009.

United Way officials then used $6,455.45 in cash donations to purchase most of the remaining coats locally for those in need.

Some who requested larger sizes were sent to the Salvation Army.

“I was really blown away,” said Mandi Lighthizer-Schmidt, United Way executive director. “People were incredibly generous.”

The need for coats this year — because of the weakened economy or the early snowfall perhaps — was double that of last year, as 158 youth signed up for 2008.

“It’s not a luxury,” Lighthizer-Schmidt said. “We’re not talking about sending a kid to camp. Camp is great, but it’s not a necessity. In Minnesota, you need a coat.”

The year’s community outerwear drive was a job well done by The United Way, First United Methodist Church, and everyone who donated or helped out this year.

It is because of these efforts that hundreds of local youth will have new or slightly used coats for the winter.

And in Minnesota, that’s a big deal.