Wareham will be a little warmer this winter thanks to the annual coat collection by Dr. Chris Thornell of New England Family Chiropractic, which yielded 121 new coats this year.

Thornell said he has been collecting new coats donated from his patients for the last 11 years and usually gives about 100 to the Office of Beyond School Time. Years ago, he saw a flyer that the office was collecting coats for those in need and figured it would be a good destination for his donation.

"We get donations here and there but nothing like this," said Patricia Gagnon of the Office of Beyond School Time.

The coats are available to anyone who needs them, children or adults.

Thornell said over the years, his collection has grown to include friends and neighbors of patients whose only visit to his office is to drop off coats.

"We've collected over 1,700 coats now in the last 11 years. That equates to about $35,000 worth of brand new coats," Thornell said.

He started collecting coats this year in the middle of September and brought them to the Office of Beyond School Time on Thursday morning with his son, Cooper.

"They'll all be used," Gagnon said of the coats. "It's overwhelming when you think how many people it's going to help."

Gagnon said people can come to the Office of Beyond School Time, which is on the second floor of the Multi-Service Center, 48 Marion Road, on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or call (508) 291-3500 ext 3556 to make an appointment.