Coats for Kids effort sets goal of 850 coats, hats, mittens

Monday, October 3, 2011
The Coats for Kids program, run through the Putnam County Youth Development Commission, has set a goal of donating 850 articles of clothing for its 12th year, including coats, hats and mittens. Many local schools, businesses and local organizations are participating in the effort, including Greencastle High School's Key Club. Club members Rodney Ford, Sam Richardson, Ben Hesler, Dylan Linton, Sabrina Arnold, Karina Scrapio, Mackenzie Meyer, Alice Moore, Faith Liveoak and Candy Fiscus pose with assistant principal Russ Hesler.

The Putnam County Youth Development Commission is requesting the public's help as it launches its 12th annual Coats for Kids Campaign.

New or gently used heavy winter coats of all sizes -- for little babies all the way through the teen years are needed. The signature yellow boxes can be found all over Putnam County.

Coats that need to be dry-cleaned will not be accepted.

To reach its goal of collecting and distributing more than 850 coats, hats and mittens to Putnam County's children, the Youth Development Commission is asking for your help.

The public is welcome to drop off donations at one of the following locations through Friday, Oct. 14: Putnam County Hospital, Putnam County Public Library, Kroger, Walmart Supercenter, Walmart Distribution Center, Greencastle City Hall, Teachers Credit Union, Monical's, Endeavor Communication, First National Bank (Greencastle), Area 30 Career Center, Ivy Tech Community College and all Putnam County elementary, middle and high schools.

All Putnam County schools are participating in a competition to see which team can collect the greatest number of coats in the campaign that officially kicked off Sept. 23

Elementary schools are working to earn an ice cream party and special visit by the National Night Out Knight, while middle and high schools are competing to see which team (Cloverdale and South Putnam) or (Greencastle and North Putnam) will collect the most coats for distribution and thus, the honor of receiving the "Battle of the Schools" trophy.

Without the ongoing generosity of the community and the support of the businesses and organizations, the Coats for Kids effort would not continue to be possible, organizers stress.

Businesses and organizations assisting the 2011 effort are: F. B. Distro, DePauw University Athletic Department, Chief's Restaurant, Kappa Delta Phi sorority, Putnam County Homemakers Extension Club, Putnam County Republican Women's Club, Putnam County Convention and Visitor Bureau, United Way of Putnam County, Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries and Walmart Supercenter.

Coats will be laundered and readied for distribution at Harris Hall at the Putnam County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Each child will be assisted in finding the right coat, hat and gloves.

Individuals may contact the Putnam County Youth Development Commission at 653-9342 to make arrangements to pick up a coat if something prevents you from being there in person on Oct. 29.

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