November 1st marks the start of the 2021 COATS FOR KIDS Campaign sponsored by the Volunteer Center. Guest of Honor, Mayor Tom Henry, will kick off the campaign by distributing coats to the children at MLK Montessori School, 6001 South Anthony Blvd. on Wednesday November 10th at 10 a.m.
This is the 22nd year for COATS FOR KIDS. The program traditionally provides more than 6,000 warm winter coats to local underserved children. To date, over 72,000 coats have been delivered to over 100 area schools and social service agencies in the area.
Beginning Monday, November 1st, donations of new or gently used winter coats (Children’s Size 7 & above through adult sizes) are being collected at partner locations including Peerless Cleaners, Volunteer Center, Sweetwater (main campus), YMCA (Fort Wayne, Huntington), Darlington Holiday Warehouse, Parkview Ortho Hospital and GM Union Hall. Collections will continue through Tuesday, November 30.
Volunteer Center’s Executive Director, Ani Etter, states “COVID-19 has added to the struggles many families were already facing to make ends meet. Your donation will help ensure that every child in need has a warm coat this winter. We need the support of our local community more than ever.”
Cash donations are greatly appreciated and will contribute to the purchase of additional coats that are always needed. $25 will provide a new coat, hat, scarf and mittens to a child in hardship. Secure online donations are accepted at www.volunteerfortwayne.org
Fort Wayne Firefighters, Volunteer Center community volunteers and YMCA team members will deliver the coats to schools and social service agencies during the first week of December.
