Annual coat drive set to warm hundreds of children

An annual coat drive is set to help thousands of area children keep warm this winter.

Operation Bundle Up, a United Way of Johnson County Program, has began taking donations ahead of the distribution event in November.

Here is what you need to know about the event:

What is Operation Bundle Up?

Operation Bundle Up is a program run by the United Way of Johnson County. Gently used and new coats and new winter accessories are donated by community members and then distributed to local children and families in need.

How can I donate?

New and gently used coats and new winter accessories can be dropped off through Oct. 25 at all First Merchants Bank and Horizon Bank locations in the county, Greenwood Christian Church, 2045 Averitt Road, Milto Cleaners locations and Home Bank, 1472 S. State Road 135, Greenwood. Coats for teenagers are especially needed.

How can I get a coat?

Distribution will be 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at Turning Point Church, 3600 N. Morton St., Franklin. All children must be accompanied by an adult and adults must bring identification and proof of county residence.

How many coats are needed?

In past years, nearly 1,000 coats have been given out to local children and families who need them. In 2017, 1,584 coats were collected. About 12,000 coats have been given to children in the past decade.