CLEVELAND — Imagine being a child who cannot go to school because you do not have a winter coat. This was the reality that inspired the annual Coats for Kids campaign.
For over 40 years, Coats For Kids, has provided winter coats to local children in need.
“The need never goes away, as much as you like to think it would,” said Debbie Martinko, executive director of Coats For Kids. “This year in particular with higher costs of everything, many families are struggling and if we can help by providing a coat for child and that allows a parent to spend money on something else that they need, that’s what we are here for.”
There are many ways you can help Coats For Kids:
From now through Nov. 30, when you visit any participating local Discount Drug Mart and buy a paper coat for just $1 to support the campaign, you will receive a coupon for $1 off Energizer batteries, valid through the end of this year.
Another local business showing support for the campaign is Chick-fil-A. Now through Nov. 30, Northeast Ohio Chick-fil-A locations are donating 100% of the proceeds they receive from every chocolate chunk cookie purchased to Coats for Kids.
And if you already own a new or gently used winter coat, sizes infant to adult, you can drop off your coats in collections bins placed at different locations throughout Northeast Ohio. Drop off locations can be found here.
Volunteers are also wanted for special events and at different times during the campaign. If you or a group you represent are interested in volunteering at the Coats For Kids warehouse or in some other way, send an email to volunteer@coatsforkidscleveland.org.
Another way to volunteer is to participate in the school coat sponsorship program. For example, a business can purchase new winter coats for an adopted school and employees can distribute the coats they collected to students. To learn more about the school coat sponsorship program, email campaignsupport@coatsforkidscleveland.org.
You can also donate to the campaign in remembrance of Mike Trivisonno. The Mike Trivisonno Fund honors the memory of the late radio talk show host who promoted Coats For Kids for years on WTAM 1100 and helped raise millions of dollars for the campaign.
Other online donations can be made here. Or to donate by mail, send checks to payable to “Coats for Kids Cleveland” at 3660 Center Road #367, Brunswick, Ohio 44212.
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Editor's Note: The above video is from Nov. 3, 2021