Q&A Tuesday: Youth food and coat drive helps ease dread of wintertime in Dayton and Silver Springs

As Thanksgiving approaches, followed by the start of the Christmas shopping season, many thoughts turn to winter and to the holidays. However, for those without much in the way of resources, wintertime and the holidays can be a time of dread.

Lavurne Jeffreys, of Central Lyon County Youth Connections, is spearheading a Cans and Coat Drive to try to make the winter and the holidays warmer for the less fortunate in the area. Teens involved with the Central Lyon County Youth Connections are assisting her in the effort.

How big is the need for food and winter coats this year?

There is always a great need for winter coats; last year we received more than 200 coats from community members and all were handed out during the food bank and pancake breakfast.

Is it the same as last year, better or worse?

It's about the same as last year.

Do you need just coats, or all kinds of winter clothing? Can you give some examples?

I only accept coats, however in the past we have received donations of new hats and gloves.

What kind of foodstuffs do you need?

We accept all nonperishable food, but we could use more holiday food items, because the youth are putting together food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Does this cover folks in just Lyon County?

Yes, this covers the Dayton and Silver Springs area.

Do you work with any of the thrift shops in the area to get winter items?

Generally, we try to get all the coats donated from the public.

Where should people drop off items?

Dayton Community Center, 170 Pike St., Dayton. Call (775) 246-7550

When is the deadline?

I will continue to except all items until Dec. 1.

Is this an annual drive?

Yes. This is the third year Central Lyon County Youth Connections-Volunteer youth group has held the Cans and Coat Drive.