With the cold and snow continuing as spring approaches, Welby students recently had an opportunity to exchange or grab a coat to stay warm.

After posting photos of coats left at the school for months, Welby Elementary PTA decided to give some of its patrons a helping hand.

“We took our unclaimed coats and traded them with another school’s lost-and-found coats and then, we brought theirs here and offered our patrons coats in case they need some,” Principal Aaron Ichimura said. “We had some people bring in their small coats and trade for a larger size, too. We wanted to make sure everyone has a coat this long winter.”

Ironically, the coat exchange was set during parent-teacher conferences, but with a snowstorm those became virtual. The coat exchange was instead held during a school day and there was a steady stream of patrons checking them out at drop-off and pick-up times, he said.

“We liked this idea because it fostered a sense of community, helping one another out,” Ichimura said, adding that the idea came from Welby’s custodian, Emily Christensen.

Historically, coats are donated to charity, he said, adding that a lot of effort goes first to find coat owners, including the PTA posting photos of the lost coats on its Facebook page.

About 50 coats were exchanged with Aspen Elementary.

Aspen Elementary Principal Suzie Williams was grateful for the coat exchange.

“We have a large population of students in need of warm coats,” she said.

Ichimura said the coats still are in good condition.

“It’s a good way to reuse coats and make sure all our students have the proper clothing and warmth they need,” he said. “It’s a great help all students.”