NILES — When Sabrina Wickens retired from teaching to become co-owner of Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services at 615 E. Main St. in Niles, she wanted to find ways that her business could reach out and serve its community.

Last year, Wickens began a donation campaign with O’Keefe Cleaners, of Niles, called Coats of Caring. Its goal was to bring warm coats to area residents in need through community organizations during winter months.

This year, both businesses decided to continue the campaign, and they are looking for coats, children’s snow pants and new hats and gloves as colder weather moves in.

“I want to make sure that there is nobody in the Niles community that doesn’t have a coat,” Wickens said.

Halbritter Wickens will collect coats and other warm garments at its office through the year. Coats are the emphasis.

“We actually collect coats year-round from our clients,” Wickens said. “When somebody’s passed away, there’s always coats and attire. The families think, ‘What do we do with this?’”

Monetary donations are also welcome. Wickens tends to use the money to purchase odd-sized coats and clothing.

The funeral service then sends its collected clothes in racks to O’Keefe Cleaners down the street, which dry cleans them free of charge.

“We really appreciate O’Keefe Cleaners,” Wickens said. “They were fantastic about getting them cleaned.”

With the winter clothing freshened up, the two businesses then deliver their collected supplies to three Niles organizations that work to help those in need: The Salvation Army’s Niles chapter, Ferry Street Resource Center and Evy’ Closet, a women’s clothing supply run through Wesley United Methodist Church. The funeral service sends the coats directly to the organizations or stores the clothing until its needed.

For this year’s Coats of Caring, Wickens said she wants to build off last year’s successes and to make sure no one enters the winter season cold.

In 2018, the funeral service hosted a murder mystery to raise money for children’s coats and snow pants. It raised $1,000, enough money to supply 30 items.

No fundraisers are planned as of yet, but Wickens said one may be formed if a clothing need is not being met through donations.

“We want to be there for folks, not just when they need us for community services,” Wickens said.

Salvation Army Lieutanant Kendra Hixenbaugh said that people come in to regularly requesting warm garments such as boots, gloves, mittens and coats. Coats of Caring has made sure those needs are met, especially for those with clothing sizes outside of the typical range.

“It’s helped a lot to make sure there are coats and things for people,” she said.

Halbritter Wickens staff are looking for additional organizations that know where clothes are needed the most. Wickens said prospective partners can call her office at (269) 683-3000.

Those with items they wish to donate can come to Halbritter Wickens and drop them off.