By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – Cooler weather has been slow to arrive in Central Illinois this fall, but the Salvation Army of McLean County is preparing for when the weather turns much colder.
The Salvation Army’s annual coat drive runs through mid-January at its headquarters at 611 W. Washington St., Bloomington, all Bloomington-Normal Gold’s Gym & Gold’s Gym Express Locations (through January), OrangeTheory Fitness, 1500 E. Empire St. A-13, Bloomington and all Commerce Bank branch Locations in Bloomington-Normal (through Thanksgiving).
McLean County Board member Jim Soeldner will be kicking off his eighth annual coat drive soon.
“I try and go around to village in my district, District 2,” Soeldner said. “With the hurricanes and the earthquakes, there’s a large amount of need. I don’t want to make that sound not important, but we also have a need here locally.”
Soeldner will be collecting coats, hats, gloves and cash for winter accessories at eight locations on Saturdays this fall. He said cash will also be accepted.
October 21
– Bellflower Lion’s Den Cafe (8-10 a.m.)
– Saybrook Village Park (10 a.m.-noon)
October 28
– Arrowsmith Uptown Park (8-10 a.m.)
– Ellsworth Methodist Church (10 a.m.-noon)
November 4
-LeRoy Fire Department (8-10 a.m.)
– Downs Fire Department (10 am.-noon)
November 11
– Heyworth Hucks Store (8-10 a.m.)
– Towanda Village Hall (10 a.m.-noon)
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
