For the fifth straight year, a local business is bringing some warmth to the valley.

Moms Upholstery is holding the annual Coats for Families at their shop in Athalmer, across from Rona and they’re hoping to repeat success they have found in the past.

“We had a phenomenal year last year, best year yet,” said Julie Saunders, organizer of the event.

The drive is meant to get people to offer up old coats they are not using in hopes of making sure no one in the valley goes without proper clothing in the cold winter months.

“It really is for anyone that needs a warm coat,” said Saunders who said she got into the event when the people running it before decided to throw in the towel.

It used to be done out of the Family Resource Centre but have since moved it to the upholstery shop for more reasons of practicality. Essentials in Invermere lends racks for them to use and people are welcome to come by and look through the toques, gloves, boots and of course coats for something that will get them through the winter.

“A lot of people who came in last year brought the coats that were too small for their kids and got new ones,” added Saunders, proving that the drive is as much a recycling program as it is a family service.

Moreover, though, Saunders thinks that it is important to support Coats for Families as the year has been hard on people economically and any little bit can help.

The event starts on October 27 and times to come by and search for warm clothing at the store vary. They hope to be available from Tuesdays to Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Outside of those hours, Saunders suggests to call before dropping by, 250-342-0355 or 250-342-1342.

Drop-off locations also include C.I.B.C. and Sears Outlet Store in Invermere, the Kootenay Savings in both Invermere and Radium, Fairmont BigWay Foods and, of course, Moms Upholstery in Athalmer.

They would also like to stress that they need warm clothing and, as much as thinner coats are a kind offering, they won’t do much for people come January.