Kids' coats, winter clothes pour in after St. Paul schools appeal

St. Paul school officials say they are about half way to their goal of providing 500 coats to students in the city's schools.

The schools are asking donations of winter clothing, including coats and hats and mittens and scarves. The need is great this year, said Anne McInerney, who runs the district's outreach program for homeless youth.

"They're just so appreciative" McInerney said of the children and their families. "When we're able to give them a brand new winter coat, and they've been just only wearing a sweatshirt and not enough winter gear, they just get really excited."

There's still a need for more winter clothing donations for students at St. Paul schools. The program is accepting donations of clothes and cash at 1021 Marion St. in St. Paul through Jan. 16.