For the sixteenth year in a row, residents across the state will collect coats to donate to residents in need during the upcoming holiday and winter seasons. This year, there is a “Jersey Cares” drop off location at the Liberty Hyundai Dealership on Route 17 North in Mahwah.

Jersey Cares, a non-profit established in 1993, is an agency that works with volunteers across the state to help provide for “community-identified needs,” according to its website. In addition to individual projects, group sponsors a handful of annual events aimed at having a big impact on Garden State volunteers and benefactors.

The organization has set the lofty goal of collecting 50,000 “gently used” coats to be redistributed to Jersey residents in need.

“This is our second year [collecting coats], and we actually had a phenomenal response last year, so this year we are hoping for the same,” Mike DeSilva, Liberty Hyundai’s manager, said. The dealership “wanted to do something,” leading up to the holidays, “and when we heard about this, we asked to be a drop-off location. It’s a great cause.”

The Mahwah donation location will be accepting coats throughout the duration of the drive – Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until December 15.

According to DeSilva, anything in good condition – whether it’s for women, men, kids, babies, or toddlers – is very appreciated by the charity. Jersey Cares tries to encourage children’s coat donations, the charity started the “Note in A Coat” program.

Kids who donate their coats can submit a note that will be given to its eventual recipient. “The notes are individually placed in the pockets of each coat. The children typically write short notes saying hello, telling the recipient something about themselves, expressing their favorite memory in the coat, and that they hope the recipient enjoys the coat. The goal of this program is to engage children in service by making the experience interactive and meaningful,” the organization says.

Call the Liberty Hyundai Dealership at (201)- 529-2400 for more information.