Jen Brodal/MDN Captain John Woodard stands among the donated coats for kids being collected in the basement of the Salvation Army at 315 Western Ave. SW in Minot.

Donations of coats and winter supplies for children are coming in less than usual, according to Captain John Woodard, director and pastor of Minot’s Salvation Army. He said the Minot community is very good about donating, but this year a lot of the supply they have is residual from last year.

The coat drive started Sept. 1 and goes to Sept. 20, but Woodard said they would take winter gear until mid-October. Sunrise Rotary Club and the Board of Realtors in Minot sponsor the coat drive.

“Weather is predictable around here and we like to stay ahead of the cold months with donations before October, when it starts to get really cold,” said Woodard.

New coats for kids, sizes K-12, and adult sizes are needed, as well as all winter accessories and gear. Drop-off times for donations are 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To pick up new coats and winter gear, come on Sept. 20 or 21 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m.

Woodard would like to thank the community for all they do to help out the Salvation Army, the coat drive being only one of the projects throughout the year. Red kettle volunteers will be out volunteering soon.