Every winter, there are dozens of children in Carbon County and the surrounding communities who don’t have the proper coats to keep them safe and warm during freezing temperatures.

An area business owner is continuing his mission to change that.

Mitch Schaffer, owner of Mobile Edge in Lehighton, has announced the 10th annual Coats for Kids collection drive at his store, located at 52 Blakeslee Boulevard, Drive East.

The drive is currently running through Dec. 31 and will again partner with Care Net of Carbon County, which will distribute the gently used coats collected to children in need throughout Carbon, western Monroe and eastern Schuylkill counties.

People who bring in a new or gently used children’s winter coat will receive a discount on a remote car starter.

“We collect hundreds of coats each season, and we are proud that our clients have been so generous toward this worthy cause,” Schaffer said in a statement released on the company’s website. “If you have a coat that your child has outgrown, drop it off, and we’ll make sure it gets to someone who can use it.”

Other winter necessities for children will also be accepted, including hats, gloves and mittens and scarves, but discounts will only be for children’s coats.

Since the collection started in 2009, Mobile Edge has collected more than 2,000 coats that were distributed through local charities and churches.

For more information on the Coats for Kids program or to drop off a coat, call Mobile Edge at 610-377-2730 or visit the store during business hours.