Donate to Tri-Cities’ third annual coat drive

For the third time, Pro Energy Consultants of Geneva are organizing a coat drive for Wayside Cross Ministries, a Fox Valley area nonprofit.

Jerry and Billie Needham, owners of Pro Energy Consultants, are collaborating with several other area businesses to collect coats and sweaters of all sizes and colors through Monday, Jan. 14.

Coat drop-off boxes are available at four Tri-Cities area businesses, or you can contact the Needhams directly at (630) 770-4994 or via email at jneedham@proenergyconsultants.com to donate.

You will find boxes at Confident Aire’s Green Energy Education Center, 416 E. Wilson St. in Batavia, All Spoked Up, 3 Webster St. in Batavia, Gibby’s Wine Den, 1772 S. Randall Road, Suite 220 in Geneva, and Fox Valley Physical Therapy and Wellness, 2011 Dean St., Suite B in St. Charles.

According to Jerry Needham, the original idea came about last fall when they were researching philanthropic outlets that reinforced their business identity.

“We are in the comfort business,” explained Needham. “Therefore, we wanted to highlight the concept of being warm and comfortable.

“During our research, conducting a coat drive for those in need seemed like a natural fit. This led us to a nationwide nonprofit, One Warm Coat,” he continued. “By combining their suggestions with our own ideas, we collected 169 warm clothing items during the winter months.”

For more information about what items are accepted, call Pro Energy Consultants at (630) 770-4994.