WAYNE, Neb. (KTIV) — With morning temperatures dropping into the 30s this week, First Presbyterian Church in Wayne is gearing up for its annual coat giveaway to help northeast Nebraska families prepare for the harsh winter months ahead.

The church’s coat closet, housed in the basement, is home to hundreds of donated coats, hats, gloves, and sometimes snow boots. It’s grown to what it is now with a big kick-off event in October.

“The coat closet was started by the church deacons back in the late 80s,” said Pastor Teresa Bartlett. “They saw a need in the community, and so they decided to have a place where people could get coats as they needed it.”

Community partnership strengthens outreach

On Thursday afternoon, Wayne High School students from the Family, Career and Community Leaders of

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