BAY COUNTY, Mich. -- The cold Michigan weather has arrived, which means it's time to help children in our area by donating a winter coat.

The Coats for Kids program in Bay County is collecting new or gently used coats in all sizes to give to low-income families.

Last year, nearly 1,100 coats were distributed to children in low-income families in Bay County.

Donations are being accepted at The Cat's Meow Thrift Store in Essexville, any branch of the Bay County Library System, the Bay City Mall, Thumb National Bank, Financial Edge Credit Union and the United Way in Downtown Bay City.

Monetary donations to help purchase coats may be mailed to the Do-All Material Assistance Center, 1465 W. Center Rd., Essexville, MI 48732.