The United Way of Broome County is one of several organizations that are participating in the inaugural Senate District 51 Coat Drive.

United Way Director of Community Relations and Development Sadie Purdy says United Way was informed that they were participants right before Thanksgiving, and they will be accepting donations through the end of the year. The hope is to be able to provide or donate coats to five local non-profits.

Purdy says sizes from newborn to adult will be accepted and they can be dropped off at United Way, located at 101 Jensen Road in Vestal.

"A lot of families struggle just to provide basic needs for their families and it's a big expense to buy coats every year for kids when they outgrow them so quickly, so we're just thrilled to be able to help offset some of those costs for families in the Southern Tier," Purdy said.

According to a release from Senator Oberacker's office, all facilities are collecting new or gently used winter coats and jackets in any size Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to the United Way of Broome County, below is a list of locations that are collecting coats:

Sullivan County

  • Jeff Bank, 18 Anawana Lake Road, Monticello or 19 Forestburgh Rd., Monticello
  • Sullivan County Government Center, 100 North St., Monticello 
  • Ethelbert B Crawford Library, 479 Broadway, Monticello
  • The Liberty Police Department, 159 N Main St., Liberty
  • Callicoon Town Hall, 19 Legion St., Jeffersonville

Otsego County

  • Senator Oberacker's office, 41 S Main St., Oneonta

Delaware County

  • Delaware County Office Building, 111 Main St., Delhi

Schoharie County

  • The Laundry Basket, 131 Granite Dr., Cobleskill