Coats for Kids kicks off in Northeast Wisconsin

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN (WBAY) - Our cool fall temperatures will eventually give way to much colder weather. As you think of getting new coats for the family, think about the children who aren’t so fortunate.

To make sure every child has a warm coat this winter, WBAY and Woodward radio stations are teaming up with the Salvation Army and local dry cleaners and other sponsors for COATS FOR KIDS.

The annual campaign collects new and gently used coats for those in need from infants to teens.

“We are looking for gently used or new, warm winter coats for children, but remember our children go from babies all the way up to those teenagers that need adult-size coats,” Salvation Army Director of Social Services Nan Pahl said.

The Coats for Kids campaign is a regional effort to make sure every child in Northeast Wisconsin stays warm this winter. Donation boxes are spread throughout a number of communities.

Look through your closets and boxes and bins in your basements or attics. Mittens, gloves, and hats are also appreciated. As you look, you may wonder what’s considered “gently-used”?

“Let’s think about what you would put on your own child. We want it to be a coat that still looks nice, that doesn’t have any major stains or rips or tears. Something they would be proud to wear to school and out in the community,” Pahl said.

Local dry cleaners work with Coats for Kids to clean them so you don’t have to.

If you don’t have a used coat to donate or time to buy a new one, there are other ways to give. A $20 donation to the Salvation Army can buy a brand-new jacket for a child in need.

Pahl says on average, the Salvation Army distributes around 10,000 coats each fall, including more than 2,500 in Brown County alone. With rising food, gas and energy prices the need this year will likely be greater.

“I do think that we are going to see more people asking for assistance,” Pahl said. “We hope to be available to families for any children that need coats. We want to make sure that no one goes without a coat this winter.”

The campaign runs Monday, September 26, through Thursday, October 27.

CLICK HERE to find drop-off locations throughout Northeast Wisconsin

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