Winter coat drive exceeding expectations at Wasko Hardware

Wasko Hardware, Inc. in Keosauqua is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to meeting a wide range of community needs by creating a winter coat drive - with a twist.

Rather than just being a drop off location for unused coats that would then get picked up, sorted and distributed elsewhere, store owner Susan Wasko saw an opportunity to streamline the process and meet peoples' needs even faster as the temperatures dropped.

'We've created spots out front and just inside our store where customers and neighbors can drop off unused coats on a designated rack,” said Wasko. 'If you have one to give, just hang it up. If you need one, stop by and pick out one on the rack - nothing to sign up for and no questions asked.”

The response so far has been strong, reports Wasko.

'In less than a week with just one announcement on our Facebook page, we've already received over 30 coat donations,” she said. 'We are so proud of our community for stepping up.”

Residents are encouraged to drop off clean, gently used spare coats during store hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wasko is also accepting new hats, gloves, and socks.