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As colder weather approaches, many area children are in need of a winter coat to keep them warm.

Hamilton County Upper Des Moines Opportunit, Inc. is sponsoring the Coats for Kids program again this fall. The program gives community members the opportunity to sponsor a low-income child by providing them with a winter coat. Last year 163 children in Hamilton County received coats through this program, according to Justin Jones of UDMO.

Posters have been placed in several area businesses - Whoop-Ti-Doo's, Mornin' Glory, Hy-Vee Cafeteria and A Cut Above Hair Studio. The poster contain little paper coat tags. The tags contain the child's gender, age, and coat size. After selecting a tag, community members may either purchase a new coat or donate a good used coat for a child. The back of the paper coat tags offer instructions for getting the coats to UDMO.

Jones said UDMO is in the process of signing up children who need coats.

"If your child or a child you know needs a warm winter coat, please call 832-6451 or come to the UDMO office, located at 1440 E Second Street in Webster City," he said.

Monetary donations are also being accepted at the Hamilton County UDMO Office to help provide coats for eligible children.

Jones said applications have been received from every community in Hamilton County.

"Support is needed from all communities in Hamilton County to insure that every child is warm this winter," he said.

The posters will be in the local businesses through Nov. 6.

Contact Anne Blankenship at editor@freemanjo