Salvation Army Launches Coats for Kids Campaign

From the Salvation Army:

The 2015 edition of the Farmers’ Almanac predicts below-normal temperatures for the majority of the country – including the northeast. More specifically, the eastern states can expect an active storm track with several storms producing heavy snow and rain. Predictions of another frigid winter means now is the time to clean out the closets and donatenew or gently-used winter coats for local families in need.

The local Salvation Army announced the launch of the 2014 “Coats for Kids” campaign to help these local families. Join the Salvation Army and help by donating new or gently-used winter coats that have been outgrown or unworn by Monday, Oct. 27.

Windsor Locks is a drop spot for donations, click here for more information.

Warm winter coats are needed in all sizes to fit infants and youth as well as young adults. Coats for Kids was established in 1980, and has collected tens of thousands of winter coats that are distributed to kids in need throughout the greater Springfield, Massachusetts region. The day for qualified families to register and receive selected coats will be Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Salvation Army location on Pearl St. in downtown Springfield.

“Now is the time to clean out your closets and get organized for winter,” said Captain John Ferreira of the greater Springfield Salvation Army. “Look for drop boxes at local business that have partnered with us for the greater good. We are so thankful for the support of the community and local businesses that make this possible year after year. Thank you in advance for supporting children that cannot help themselves.”

Presenting sponsors, Berkshire Bank, Belmont Laundry, Fireside Designs and Market Mentors, LLC as well as many other local businesses, are working with media sponsors CBS 3 Springfield, 94.7 WMAS and Sports Radio 1450 The Hall, to provide much needed support for children in need by keeping them warm this winter. All have teamed up with the goal of collecting thousands of new or gently-used winter coats for local children and the hope that no child will go without one this upcoming winter. 94.7 WMAS will offer special Coats for Kids Drop-Off Days in the month of Oct. Those events will be aired on 94.7 WMAS and Sports Radio 1450 The Hall as they are confirmed.

Other sponsors include A.W. Gifford, Inc., Ambiance Creative Hair Solutions, America’s Box Choice, Berkshire Heating and Air Conditioning,Brain Balance Achievement Centers, City Tire, Curry Printing, Eastfield Mall, Finyl Vinyl, Fuel Services, Inc., Garden’s Dream Farm, Hampden Zimmerman, Kens’ Eyewear, Inc., Ludlow Heating and Cooling, Inc., Luso Federal Credit Union, Planet Fitness, Premier Source Credit Union,Pride, Shop Rite and The Body Shop. Many of these businesses will serve as convenient drop-spots; locations where people can drop off donated coats.

For further information on Salvation Army Coats for Kids, please call WMAS at (413) 737-1414 or visitsalvationarmycoatsforkids.com.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need for more than a hundred years. Nearly 29 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a broad array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 86 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to salvationarmyusa.org.