“A Warmer Day” Hopes to Distribute 3,500 Coats This Year

BEATRICE - It all started when a couple from Clatonia thought, "What can we do for the community?"  Dave and Valerie Conde have been providing warmth across Southeast Nebraska ever since. Dave tells News Channel Nebraska, "I'm kind of cynical in nature, so anytime I give money to an organization I wonder, 'Where is that money really going? Whose salary am I paying?' We are not really in a financial position to give the kind of money that can make a profound impact. We just decided that we wanted to venture out and do something on our own because we could make a profound impact."  A Warmer Day was founded in 2016 and in their first year, they distributed over 800 winter coats to underprivileged children and families in Nebraska. A city-wide coat drive will be held in Beatrice this October through November. Community members looking to help out can donate coats, gloves and hats to a number of locations. This year, they hope to collect and distribute 3,500 winter coats. Conde says, "You know, frankly, the people that we find we serve are - sometimes it's homeless folks, or people that have nothing or next to nothing. Other times, you know, it could be a single mom who could - maybe she could afford to go buy her children coats, but maybe by getting coats from us it'll ease some of her financial burden. She can put that money to use elsewhere." Beatrice law enforcement, Beatrice Public Schools and the Beatrice Public Library will be partnering with A Warmer Day to help with handing out coats to residents in December and January. Before being distributed, the winter apparel collected will be laundered by the organization's partners at Starcrest Cleaners and Laundryland. Conde tells News Channel Nebraska that those who need a coat, don't necessarily have to wait until the distribution dates. Anyone in dire need of winter apparel can visit their website and give them a call.  
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