MENDOTA – A community shoe and clothing drive for refugees in need is being conducted in Mendota. The drive is organized by Joy Sterling with Connie Kirby in conjunction with local churches.

Anyone wishing to donate may drop off clean used shoes and warm clothes/coats at Mendota Pet Salon, 2104 E. Main St., Mendota, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sterling is the owner of the Mendota Pet Salon.

Fort McCoy, Wis. is home to 40,000+ Afghan refugee families who fled with only the clothes on their backs. When they left it was summertime. With weather getting colder many of these people are still wearing sandals and clothing suited for warm weather.

Sterling’s daughter is stationed at Fort McCoy and has first-hand knowledge of their needs. The second-hand clothing stores are empty of suitable shoes and clothing. All donations will be going directly to the Army base through an enlisted soldier who will personally be driving them to Fort McCoy.

The goal is to get the shoes and clothes/coats to the refugees as soon as possible, so the deadline for collecting everything is Friday, Nov. 19. Your participation in this drive to help needy families is much appreciated.