Gov. Steve Beshear and his wife, Jane, recently announced their first winter coat drive in partnership with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. While their coat drive is based in Frankfort, the governor and first lady are encouraging other Kentucky communities to join in the spirit of the drive by donating coats to Goodwill locally.

Connie Pickett, wife of Glasgow Mayor Darrell Pickett, will be working with Goodwill Industries in Glasgow to collect coats for those in the community who need them during the coming winter months.

The Glasgow-Barren County drive will run from Monday, Nov. 16, through Friday, Nov. 27.

“Many families go through the winter without proper winter clothing. This year, with the economy being as bad as it is and with so many people without jobs, I want to encourage everyone who can to please take part in this effort,” said Connie Pickett. “Cold winter months are difficult enough for families who are used to living on a fixed income, but with so many people jobless this year, families are placed in an even more difficult position.”

Providing winter coats for a nominal fee through Goodwill to families who are struggling during tough economic times is a good cause for area residents to support.

“The economy has affected almost everyone. It has hit our community and many of the organizations that normally offer assistance to families, so it is up to us as good citizens to make sure that everyone in our community can have a warm coat to wear this winter,” Connie Pickett said.

A number of different organizations have agreed to provide drop-off sites for the coat drive. Beginning Nov. 16, coats can be dropped off at Glasgow City Hall, the Glasgow-Barren County Chamber of Commerce, Glasgow Police and Fire departments or Western Kentucky University’s Glasgow campus. Any business that would like to offer a drop-off site may call the mayor’s office at 651-1777. Drop-off bins will be clearly marked at each location.

Coats will be accepted for both adults and children and can be either new or gently-used.

At the conclusion of the drive, the coats will be donated to the Glasgow Goodwill. The store sells adult coats for $5 and children’s coats for $3. Revenue from donations that are sold at Goodwill helps the organization fund critical and timely job training, employment counseling and adult literacy programs for Kentuckians with disabilities or other disadvantages.

“We are grateful for the Picketts’ willingness to support the governor and first lady’s initiative,” said John Wade, vice president for the Western Division of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. “Not only will Goodwill be able to offer coats at low prices for area residents, but the people of Barren County can also be confident that their donations will help Goodwill serve people with disabilities or other disadvantages who need assistance in finding and maintaining employment.”

Local clubs, churches and other groups are encouraged to join this effort.

“We hope the warm hearts of this great community will help keep our fellow citizens warm this winter,” said Connie Pickett.

For more information, call 670-8510.