Through the end of January, the Fairfield County Department of Job and Family Services is seeking donations of winter coats to help area homeless people and others in need. The collection is part of the department's annual campaign to aid those in need in Pickerington and throughout Fairfield County.

"We gather the coats through different resources, such as the community and junior and senior high schools," said Jenny Ruff, community resource coordinator at Fairfield County DJFS. "It's not just for the homeless. We have working families that are struggling to make ends meet."

The number of people with financial difficulties seems to be rising, Ruff said.

She noted that nearly 100 coats are being donated each week, and "they're flying out the door" almost as quickly.

"This year, we're running way ahead of last year," she said. "We did 1,200 coats and I expect to exceed that this year."

This year's coat drive coincides with a Fairfield County DJFS tradition in which a Christmas tree is placed in its office lobby for community members to decorate with donated winter hats and gloves. Those in need are permitted to take from the tree through Christmas.

Locally, donations can dropped off at Keely Weaver's insurance office at 194 W. Church St. A drop box also is located outside the office.

"I did it a couple years ago and then people started coming in and wanted to know if they could donate coats," Weaver said. "I called around and found out no one was doing it here."

Weaver said Pickerington donations have been slow, thus far, and she hopes arrangements can be made locally so those in need don't have to travel to Lancaster to pick up winter garments.

"There definitely is a need," she said. "We are not getting the coats like we did two years ago. If anybody has extra coats, we really need them to drop them off."

After coats, hats and gloves are donated, they are cleaned at Fashion Cleaners and Vanity Cleaners, two businesses located in Lancaster and owned and operated by the Lovell family. Ruff said the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office has helped transport the garments and arrangements likely could be made to get them to Pickerington residents.

"It doesn't have to be a grand thing," she said. "Sometimes a very small thing can make a huge difference.

"If people need them, what we're here for is to help."

Those wishing to donate or receive coats, hats and gloves can do so by calling Ruff at (740) 687-6710. She said no one is turned away, and her staff asks no questions of those wishing to benefit from the service.