The Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network is reaching out to the community for warm winter coats as the weather begins to get colder.

“Just this past week we had three emergency food and clothing distributions where families were in dire need of warm winter coats,” PVEN Executive Director Hope Christman said. “We had two families who were all wearing flip-flops.”

This year PVEN participated in the West End Rotary Club’s Operation Warm coat program, but there is still an ongoing urgent need for winter coats.

“We have seen a rise in the number of families we are serving, but we haven’t seen the amount of donations of coats to match that rise,” Christman said. “Our goal at PVEN is to feed, clothe and provide social service referrals to families in our community who require this assistance, with dignity, and to assist them on a path to self-sufficiency.”

Christman added, “If you’re cold or hungry, it’s difficult to focus on anything else.”

PVEN is accepting coats in all sizes, but is in dire need of women’s coats in all sizes and men’s coats in plus sizes.

Donations of new or gently used coats along with hats, gloves and scarves can be made at PVEN at 2334 Route 209, Sciota on Mondays, Tuesday and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Donations can also be dropped off at West End Happenings, 1356 Route 209, Gilbert, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or at Direct Connection Audio and Security at 1421 Route 209, Brodheadsville on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and until 4 p.m. Saturdays until Dec. 15.

PVEN Community Service Center is a regional food pantry and clothing closet serving residents of Chestnuthill, Eldred, Hamilton, Jackson, Polk and Ross townships in Monroe County.