MASON COUNTY — Whether the Biblical story of Joseph or a ballad from Dolly Parton, the phrase “coat of many colors” is sure to conjure up a specific image in each persons mind.

That image for many local children may now be the Mason County Ministerial Association recent coat drive.

In partnership with Big Country 99 (WBYG) and Praise Radio (WBGS), members of the Ministerial Association deemed their recent drive to provide warm winter coats to students in the school of Mason and Gallia counties a success. It was reported that more than 440 coats were provided to students identified by their schools as in need of coats.

“We have a truly amazing and generous community, and are grateful to each and every organization and individual who helped make the coat drive a success,” said Dr. Richard Sargent, treasurer of the Ministerial Association.

Churches and organizations who have helped by providing coats in Mason County include: Trinity United Methodist Church, New Hope Bible Baptist Church, Krebs Chapel United Methodist Church, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Main Street Baptist Church, Vernon United Methodist Church, Heights United Methodist Church, Sand Hill Road Church of Christ, Pleasant CEOS Club, the American Legion Post 23, Bellemead United Methodist Church, and a host of other individuals.

Coat drives have also recently been held by the Point Pleasant American Legion Ladies Auxiliary #23, as well as the Mason United Methodist Church in conjunction with their thrift store, the Zerkle House of Hope.