Polson woman spreads warmth in winter
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POLSON — Let’s face it, a Montana winter is usually cold. Last winter was nasty, and predictions are this winter won’t be great either.
Anne Engebretson has been doing something about cold winters for 13 years with her “coats for kids” program. Her program is not affiliated with any organizations; it began when her own children were small.
“I had all these little coats around, and nothing to do with them,” Engebretson remembered.
She had a room and a washer and dryer so she said to herself, “You known, Anne, let’s do coats for kids.”
Engebretson and her husband own and operate the Port Polson Inn so she dedicated one room to hang coats in during the winter months when the Inn was less busy.
Each year Engebretson puts a notice in the local papers, and people begin to drop off coats, either outgrown or replaced or new coats. Other folks come to get a coat when the chilly winds blow and the snow flies. Now she is established, and people know about the service.
Her rules are simple: If the coat is a donation, she asks that the garment be clean with no holes and that the zipper or fasteners work. For someone needing a coat for their child, she asks them to bring the child with them to make sure the coat fits, since sizes vary so much. Also, it’s important the child likes the coat and will wear it. She doesn’t ask for names, she doesn’t require forms — she just gives away coats for free, about 130 per year.
Engebretson has given away 107 coats already this winter. Teachers come and select a coat, saying, “You know, I have this kid in my room who doesn’t have a coat.” Counselors from the schools visit Engebretson, too, and also people from Ronan and Pablo.
“It’s valley-wide,” she added.
She appreciates all the community members who donate coats and help keep children and teenagers warm. She even has a few adult coats. Engebretson will keep the coats available until March when she puts the coatroom back into use as a motel room. Coats are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day at the Port Polson Inn on Highway 93 right by Ducharme Park.
“The best part is little kids with smiley faces. Mittens, a hat and a new coat, and they’re so happy,” Engebretson said, smiling.
