250 Louisville Students Have A Warmer Holiday Thanks To Community Generosity

From the City of Louisville:

For 250 students, this holiday season will be a little warmer thanks to the 3rd Annual Metro Louisville Coat A Kid Drive. On Thursday, Councilman David Yates (D-25) along with this year’s sponsors announced the results for another successful year for students in Jefferson County Public Schools.

“This community has proven what we all know about the holiday season, it is better to give than to receive,” said Yates. “Every year, the need is great to help children in need and I want to thank everyone in our community who took the time to be generous and help us.”

Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio and Clothing Assistance Program Specialist, Justin Willis accepted the donation on behalf of all JCPS.

“We are fortunate in Jefferson County Public Schools to be surrounded by so many supportive partners who are always looking to help our children. Programs like these make a difference for our families and we are thankful this community continues to stand up for children,” said Dr. Pollio.

This year, Councilman Yates partnered with local auto dealer Craig & Landreth for the campaign. Using its six locations throughout Metro Louisville as drop off points, the two-week drive collected new coats of all sizes for JCPS students in need.

“It is our honor and privilege to work with Councilman Yates to help the children of our community,” said Chris Hiser, General Manager of Craig & Landreth’s Dixie Highway location. “This was our way of saying thank you to the many people who have supported us over the years and now, we have a chance to give back to the community.”

Additional assistance this year was given by local Dixie Highway restaurant Khalil’s, owned by Khalil (Charlie) Batson & local “Cancer Sucks” non-profit, Shirley’s Way, founded by Mike Mulrooney. Each organization helped sponsor a Coat Drive event in partnership with the Queen of Hearts drawing this past Monday. A 55” Samsung Smart 4K TV donated by John Poynter with Century Entertainment and Furnishings, was raffled off to those who brought a new coat.

Donations were also collected by several local partners and businesses asking their employees and customers to support the Clothing Assistance Program. Local Entertainer, Dusty Leigh collected over 50 coats, 3rd Division LMPD, Lime Scooters & El Toro combined for over 30 coats.

Many businesses & community organizations including Louisville Professional Firefighters #345, Louisville Hi-Tech Floor Covering, Rodger’s Body Shop and Empire Home Improvement gave cash donations to support the cause. The money was used to purchase new winter coats for the drive.

The JCPS Clothing Assistance Program will now distribute the 250 coats to students before classes resume in 2020.

This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.