New England Family Chiropractic has collected more than 150 brand new winter coats that will be available for free for people who need them.

Chris Thornell of New England Family Chiropractic said the coats are primarily children’s sizes ranging from infant sizes to youth large — although there are a “handful” of coats that are adult smalls. 

The coats will be distributed at the Wareham High School, 7 Viking Dr., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13. Coats will be in the main parking lot and will be distributed by the Wareham High School Key Club.

This is the 17th annual coat drive coordinated by New England Family Chiropractic. Thornell explained that he started the annual coat drive at the chiropractic practice after learning about a coat drive conducted by Wareham Public Schools. 

“They didn’t have much of a selection,” he said, noting that it was a small coat drive. “I said, ‘Well that’s something we might be able to help out with.’ So we started doing a collection each year in our office.”

Thornell praised the generosity of the practice’s patients, offering up “a gigantic thank you.”  

“It really just took off,” Thornell said. “[The patients donate] every year, they’re thrilled to do it. They feel like they’re helping out. ... It seems to be a really good thing for everybody.”

He also said New England Family Chiropractic was excited to work with the Key Club — a High School club dedicated to community service — this year.

Over the years, the coat drive has collected and distributed more than 3,000 brand new winter coats. Thornell said that in years past, the coats are all distributed quickly.

“I know there’s a need, and our patients are happy to be able to help out with that,” he said. 

Thornell said the practice plans to collect coats again next year — and noted that larger sizes would definitely be appreciated. 

“For future years — we’re always lacking on the bigger sizes,” he said, mentioning that it might be because “everybody likes to buy the little cute snowsuits.”