Rock River Dental, Fort Atkinson, has announced it has begun its sixth annual coat drive.

According to information released by the company, residents are asked to drop off new or gently used coats and winter gear through Thursday, Nov. 9, at the dental office, 1951 Commerce Pkwy., on the south side of Fort Atkinson, during regular business hours, which, the company’s website notes, are between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Mondays; 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays, and 8 a.m. 3 p.m. on Fridays. The office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. 

As stated in the release, this year’s coat drive will benefit The Community Space in Whitewater, Jefferson County Human Services Foster Care Program, and the Homeless Coalition of Fort Atkinson.

Reiterating a statement made in previous years,  Amy Larson, marketing director with Rock River Dental, said within the release: “We are happy to partner with all of these great organizations that serve the underserved: children, low-income families, and the homeless. Our patients and this community have stepped up every year and I have no doubt this year will be any different,”

As stated within previous years regarding the drive, and according to the release: “For most, a warm coat solves the problem of being cold. But, for nearly 15% of Americans living in poverty, a warm winter coat is a budget ‘extra.’ Health experts report that even a 2-degree drop in body temperature results in reduced heart rate, loss of coordination, and confusion. Adults cannot work effectively and children find it difficult to learn.”

Also noted in previous years, and in this year’s release, Rock River Dental owner Dr. Leslie Showalter has said: “For some families, the expense of providing warm winter gear is impossible. No one should be left to survive the elements of a Wisconsin winter without a coat. We need to step up and help those in need in our community.” 

According to the release, as a token of appreciation, Rock River Dental will be holding a drawing for donors for a Professional Series Sonicare.”

For more information about the drive, contact Rock River Dental at 920-563-4415.