Overcome with the desire to do something productive during the pandemic, Dorothy Horstkotte set on a mission to collect 100 coats for the City Mission of Schenectady’s winter coat drive.

Three months later, she’s already collected more than 450.

“It was amazing the number of people that came forth and gave me coats,” says Horstkotte.

Horstkotte has gone to local churches and yard sales, but many of the donations have come from her neighbors. Some of her most productive fundraising has been through people she meets when she walks her dog, Molly.

“We would walk around three or four blocks. I would meet people, say, ‘Hi, I’m Dorothy and this is Molly,’ visit with them for a few minutes, and then I would say 'I’m collecting winter coats for the City Mission,' ” says Horstkotte.

Michael Saccocio, executive director of the City Mission, says each year they give out about 1,000 coats. Horstkotte’s collection has given them a much needed head start.

“I already know of examples where people came through, not looking for a winter coat, but they didn’t have one,” says Saccocio. “We were able to go to the rack and give them a nice winter coat, so they’re ready for winter.”

Anyone looking to donate coats can drop them off at the City Mission.