FAIRMONT - By the time they go to sleep tonight, hundreds of area residents will be just a little warmer.

Coats for the Community, an event sponsored by the Faribault/Martin County Provider Network, is set to give away nearly 300 coats, plus hats, mittens and boots for both children and adults.

The outerwear, provided free of cost to anyone who needs it, is collected and distributed by members of the network - staff and clients of MRCI Fairmont, Faribault/Martin County Human Services, COR, HSI, ARC, People First, SMILES, and REM Heartland.

"All are welcome," said Ramona Harper, branch manager of MRCI Fairmont. "We have all sizes and styles."

Karina Schmitz, with REM Heartland, said the event has been going on each fall for seven years.

The groups came together to meet a need in they saw in the community, and have seen steady use of the event.

"Last year we figure we had about 100, 120 people," Schmitz said.

The groups expect to see more need this year because of the economy, while at the same time Schmitz said they seem to have fewer coats to give away.

The coats are collected from contributing agencies, as well as a few donations from the community.

Some of the winter wear is new, some used, but all are in good, usable condition.

"We have some new coats with the tags on," Schmitz said.

She said people already have been stopping by the store front in Five Lakes Centre during setup asking when they can come for their winter wear.

There are no eligibility requirements.

The event runs 9 a.m. to noon today in front of JCPenney.