Operation Overcoat wants to give local kids in need of warmth a winter coat.

The problem is, they need coats to give.

“This year it’s been kind of slow,” said Kelly Johnson, the coordinator for the event at Northwest Savings Bank. “I started collections two to three weeks early this year and we haven’t been up to where we usually are.”

Operation Overcoat is a program put on by Northwest, the Warren/Forest Economic Opportunity Council and Anderson Cleaners each year that collects, cleans and distributes warm winter coats to local children in need.

“Northwest is a huge community bank,” Johnson said. “It’s been about giving back to the community, especially children in need. It breaks my heart to think there’s a kid waiting for the bus and they’re freezing.”

Last year, 250 coats were distributed, but Johnson said it wasn’t enough to cover the need.

“There was still a demand,” Johnson said. “We just didn’t have enough coats.”

And, while the collection bins will be out until Nov. 21, Johnson said, “if someone still wanted to bring in coats, I wouldn’t turn them away.”

Coats are being collected in marked containers at Northwest locations in Warren, Sheffield or Tidioute. Additional drop off sites include Label Shopper, Faith Inn, EOC Main Office, Warren Manor and Darcy’s Boutique in Youngsville.

From there, the coats will be cleaned by Anderson Cleaners and distributed. Distribution began the week of Oct. 5 by the EOC and Faith Inn.

“We mainly need children’s coats,” Johnson said. “We accept all coats, but we’ve gotten barely any children’s coats this year.”

Johnson said people can also donate other cold-weather items such as snowpants, hats, gloves and scarves.

For more information, contact Johnson can be contacted at 726-1070.