The Ripon Rotary Club is conducting its annual Winter Coat Drive.

The local service organization, in an effort to make a difference during the holidays, is seeking donations of new or gently used coats in an effort to help those in need stay warm during the cold winter months.

Community members and businesses can help support this cause by dropping such items at these Ripon locations:

·         Bank of Stockton, 234 W. Main St.

·         Strand Ace Hardware, 150 N. Wilma Ave.

·         IMS Lending, 467 N. Wilma Ave. #1.

·         Tactor Supply, 860 Jack Tone Rd.

According to John Mangelos, he and his fellow Rotarians recently delivered 25 donated coats to the Interfaith Ministries of Ripon.

“We do need children’s coats,” he added.

For those who wish to donate but are unable to do, Ripon Rotary can arrange to do a pickup at the home or business.

The goal here is to make a real difference towards keeping those warm during these cold months.