SALEM- As winter approaches, and the temperature heads south, area residents will soon begin to pull their winter coats out of the closet.

But in the down economy, many residents, including children, do not have coats to pull out.

In response, Yuhanick's Cleaners hosts an annual coat drive to ensure those who need the winter apparel has the opportunity to stay warm.

This year's drive, Yuhanick's third, officially, is ongoing through Nov. 30. Collection barrels are located at all four Yuhanick's locations- in Salem at the corner of West State Street and South Ellsworth Avenue and at the Giant Eagle Plaza; in Columbiana; and in Poland- as well as the Sparkle Markets in Salem, Lisbon, Columbiana, Cornersburg and Western Reserve.

Coats can be dropped off at any of the collection locations and Yuhanick's will clean them for distribution. The company will also perform minor repairs, such as fix broken zippers, if need be.

"With the economy the way it is, people don't have money, so we want to get as many as we can this year," said Steve Moore, co-owner of the business.

Over the past two years, Yuhanick's has collected over 2,000 coats, according to Moore, a total he said he would like to surpass during this collection.

But even though getting coats has not been a problem the past couple years, getting children's coats has, Moore explained.

"One goal of ours is to keep kids warm on the playground," he said. "But last year we didn't get as many, so people bought them and donated."

Of course, philanthropic residents may not be able to go out and buy coats to give away, but Moore noted every little bit helps- even that old coat three sizes too small buried at the bottom of worn sweaters and battered scarves.

All coats will be distributed through the Salem Salvation Army, Moore said, but if it becomes too overwhelming for the organization, the coats will also be distributed through other area non-profit organizations.

For information about the coat drive, call Moore at 330-921-8387.

Track the coat count at www.yuhanickscleaners.com.

Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net