Tribune staff reports

With the weather turning colder and holidays just around the corner, the Freeborn County United Way is holding two fundraisers to help prepare community members for the months ahead.

Coats for Kids give-a-way will be conducted from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 20, at the United Way office. Drop-off sites for children’s coats, hats, mittens, scarves and boots, for infants to age 18, will be set up from Nov. 11 through the 17. Drop-off sites are at the following locations: Alden High School, Albert Lea Schools, Albert Lea Tribune, Children’s Center, Citizens State Bank, Country Market, EXOL, Family Y.M.C.A., Home Federal, Hy-Vee, Albert Lea Public Library, Albert Lea Medical Center, Security State Bank, St. John’s Lutheran Home, Northbride Mall, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, St. Theodore Catholic Church, American Bank, and Riverland Community College.

&uot;It is even more important this year to have a coat drive because so many of our families lost

these items in their basements with the flooding,&uot; said Jean Eaton, Freeborn County United Way director. &uot;This is another way that we can provide a service for community members and the county.&uot;

The Freeborn County Flood Disaster Fund is still accepting donations, which may be dropped off at U.S. Bank, or at the United Way offices. Money raised will help people in need through the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other human service agencies.