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The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and Fort Dodge CDJR (formerly Shimkat Motor Co.) have begun their annual coat drive titled ‘Coats for Kids.’ They are seeking the community’s help in fulfilling the need for warm winter gear for local children. Donations of new or gently used clean coats, gloves, hats, snow pants and boots are being accepted now at Fort Dodge CDJR. Monetary donations in any amount for the purchase of coats are also being accepted. If your workplace has a jeans day or other type of fundraiser, consider giving a donation to Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and write Coats for Kids in the memo line. Monetary donations can be mailed to the health center located at 126 N 10th Street in Fort Dodge.
Items can also be donated at Mineral City Mill and Grill, AJ Klein Hair, Bloomers on Central Coffee Shoppe, and Dodge Graphix. All sizes are needed from babies and toddlers to high schoolers. The collection will continue through November 14th, 2026. They kindly ask that you do not donate sweatshirts, fleece jackets or other lightweight outerwear for this program. Coats for Kids focuses on ensuring each child in the community has a winter coat. You are encouraged to donate other warm winter clothing locally at First Baptist Church for their free clothing closet.
Community Health Center works with local schools to identify kids who are in need of coats. In addition, there is a public distribution day where any child can come and get a coat who needs one. “We want any student who needs a coat to be able to have one, a little warmth goes a long way.” said Kaycee Johnson, Community Engagement & Events Specialist for Community Health Center of Fort Dodge.
The public distribution will take place on Saturday, November 21 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am via a drive-through at the health center located at 126 N 10th Street in Fort Dodge. Anyone in need of a child’s coat can drive through; staff will greet them at their vehicle to see what size is needed. Staff will then deliver the coat directly to the vehicle.
Coats for Kids was started by Lisa Shimkat, who as a Fort Dodge school board member, learned firsthand of the need. The program grew and a partnership was formed with Community Health Center of Fort Dodge over 10 years ago to take over the organization and planning; Fort Dodge CDJR serves as the primary collection location. “It is a wonderful example of good people, local business and the health center working together to fill a need in our community” Johnson said.
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