The United Way Koats for Kids program will begin distributing collected winter wear to those in need today in Portage la Prairie.

Koats for Kids commitee member Dawn Froese says they have a store front set up in the basement of the Century 21 building on Saskatchewan Ave., and children who can't afford bundling up can pick up a coat.

"There are kids who are walking to school throughout the winter when it's -10 C, but also when it's -30 C," Froese says. "Lots don't have winter coats, so they either do lots of layers of sweaters, or stay home and don't go to school."

"We really want to see kids who need winter outerwear dressed," continues Froese. "So they can go to school, so they can play, and so they'll be warm."

Froese says anyone who is picking up a jacket needs to bring a Manitoba Health Card. The distribution hours today are from 2-5:30 p.m., and people are asked to used the back entrance in the Shoppers Drug Mart parking lot.

Froese adds this isn't the only opportunity to pick up a coat, as they'll have dispersals at the same location -- and same hours -- every Thursday in November. The Koats for Kids collection period for used items is now over, Froese notes, and donations were slightly down this year. Brand new outerwear will still be accepted.

"We're very thankful for the community and what they've donated," says Froese. "We just appreciate their support once again."