MOSES LAKE - The change of seasons officially occurred on Sunday, leaving summer behind. This time of year marks the beginning of school, the holiday season, and colder weather. It is can also be a financially stressful time for some families to provide supplies and clothing for children in our community.

The Rotary Club of Moses Lake, in partnership with Cedar Street Cleaners, marks this time of year as the beginning of their "Coats 4 Kids' program. Around 1997 Cedar Street Cleaners approached the Rotary Club for support in conducting their annual coat drive, Rotary Club member Dave Campbell said. The collection and distribution had gotten to be too much for the business, who cleans all donated coats before distribution.

"It's a great partnership," Campbell said. The focus of this project is to provide children with coats for the winter, regardless of status. If the families can not make it to the distribution event, the club donates any remaining coats to programs like Serve Moses Lake or New Hope, who will give the coats to those in need at no charge. The program has distributed between 500 and 700 coats a year.

Campbell said this year the club tried to have more sites open six or seven days a week, to make it easier for people to donate the coats. Distribution sites this year include Pioneer Medical Center Pharmacy, Samaritan Hospital, Skaug Brothers ACE Hardware, Staples, Sterling Bank, and the Columbia Basin Herald office.

Everyone is encouraged to look through their closets to find coats they will not need this year. Boys and girls coats size 6 to 8 are usually the first size to run out, and large sizes are needed as well, as some middle school children fit into adult clothing, Campbell said.

Distribution will take place 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 26 in the cafeteria at Chief Moses Middle School. Each family can take up to four coats.

If you know of a certain family needing coats this year, please call Bob Tatum at 509-750-0608.

"It won't be long until coats are needed," Campbell said.