Free kids’ coats available through Tusc JFS
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Dec. 2, 2024) – Tuscarawas County’s JFS office is helping kids stay warm this winter.
Eligibility Referral Supervisor Debbie Whitney says the agency is again an Operation Warm distribution site and has free kids’ coats for families in need while supplies last.
“It could extend beyond this week but because we get a limited supply of each individual size, I do encourage folks to come as soon as they possibly can.”
It’s the third time the local JFS office has participated in the statewide program that’s open to households making less than 200-percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
“It’s just a one-page form that they have to fill out. They can self-attest to their income, that they meet those requirements, and then they walk away with a free coat.”
Shoes aren’t available this year, although there are about twice as many coats to go around.
“This year, Operation Warm managed to send us some adult size smalls, medium and large, so we have some additional sizes for those older teens that maybe are out of a [kids’] size 18 or whatever.”
The agency is located at 389 16th St. SW, just past Eagle Truck Stop. Coats are available on weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm until they run out. Kids need not be present, although Whitney suggests bringing them along to make sure you’re getting the correct size since coats can’t be exchanged or returned.