Winter coats needed for Lehigh Valley children in need

Dangerously cold temperatures have gripped the Lehigh Valley, but some children continue to lack warm winter coats.

Dolly Butz, an organizer and volunteer for the annual Operation Santa Claus gift drive, said many children at area schools are in need of warm coats and she is asking the public to help.

Butz said new or gently used coats can be donated on the first floor of the Butz Corporate Center at 840 W. Hamilton St. in Allentown. Coats also can be dropped off in the main offices at any Allentown school, Butz said.

In addition to Operation Santa Claus and other charitable endeavors, Butz coordinates annual winter coat drives to provide for students in the Allentown School District.