It’s hard to imagine facing an Iowa winter without a warm coat. Sadly, some area youngsters could be confronted with just that prospect if their families are facing a challenging economic situation.

Fortunately, however, through the combined efforts of Shimkat Motor Co. and the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge many of these young folks will have warm coats and other seasonal attire as the colder, wintry days arrive.

This joint project — called Coats for Kids — accepts donations of new and gently used winter coats, along with hats, scarves, mittens and snow boots. All sizes are needed.

Community members wishing to help can bring items to be donated to Shimkat Motor Co., 3126 Fifth Ave. S.; Coldwell Banker, 1728 Central Ave.; Mineral City Mill and Grill, 2621 Fifth Ave. S.; Olde Boston’s Restaurant and Pub, 809 Central Ave.; Sports Page, 2707 N. 15th St.; and Papa Murphy’s, 2813 Fifth Ave. S.

Cash donations are also accepted. Checks should be made out to Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, 126 N. 10th St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501. “Coats for Kids” should be written in the memo line so the money is used to support that program. Money donations are used to purchase items for children that may be in short supply — such as certain sizes — after the clothing donations have been evaluated.

The clothing will be distributed between 9 a.m. and noon Nov. 20 at the Health Center. A drive-thru system will be used so no one will have to find a parking space or get out of their vehicle.

Shimkat Motor Co, started the coat drive about 10 years ago. Because the effort grew very quickly, the car dealership teamed up with the Community Health Center about eight years ago. The project has proved immensely successful.

That first year alone, more than 1,000 coats were donated, according to Ed Shimkat Jr., co-owner of Shimkat Motor Co. Last year more than 700 coats were distributed.

The Messenger applauds this worthy endeavor. We urge community members to give it the strongest possible support. Let’s make sure that all our town’s youngsters stay warm this winter.