The cold winter months are coming and the Okotoks United Church Jacket Racket is here to help.

Residents in need are invited to visit the church between 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. today to select free warm winter wear for the cold months ahead.

Okotoks United Church Jacket Racket coordinator Carol Price says some visitors to the Jacket Racket are gearing up to experience a Canadian winter for the first time.

"I think there's really a need in our community for a program like this," Price points out. "We have people new to Canada that come from warm climates and aren't really sure of what you need to have here in Southern Alberta and they may not be able to afford to go out and outfit their families or themselves."

She adds that people visit the jacket racket for themselves and their children, while others come with lists of items needed by senior residents of our community. Price says they are grateful for the support they've received from the community over the years.

"It's definitely used well and valued by people who come," she explains. "And certainly we thank the community for their response in donating items."

Donations of warm winter clothing for the Jacket Racket are currently being accepted at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, Okotoks Sobey's, Foothills Dry Cleaners, Better Than Home coin laundry or at the church.

For a list of opening hours for the Okotoks United Church jacket racket, click here.

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