15th annual campaign continues to meet need

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Putnam County Youth Development Commission, we would like to thank the many individuals, businesses, organizations and school communities that contributed to the success of our 15th annual Coats for Kids Campaign.

Thanks to Putnam County's generosity, over 500 coats and lightweight jackets were distributed on Saturday, Oct. 25 at Harris Hall at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Words cannot begin to express our sincere appreciation for what your donations meant to the children you've helped be prepared for the cold and wintry months ahead.

We are grateful to the many partners that continue to be a part of this effort each year.

Thanks again and again to Kappa Delta Phi Sorority for dedicating time and energy in decorating our "yellow boxes." A special thank you to all the businesses, schools and organizations that serve as collection sites for coat donations. A sincere thank you to Putnam County Homemakers Extension Club for their continued support in facilitating the use of Harris Hall and their generous financial donations.

To DePauw University Printing Services, we generally appreciate your kindness in support of our annual campaign. To Teena Bryant and the staff of Ascena Retail Group who helped provide us with the coat racks. We wish to send a special thank you to a new partner this year, White Cleaners, what an outstanding job in making sure all coats were laundered and readied for distribution, you are the greatest.

To those who financially support our efforts ensuring there is inventory available throughout the winter season we say thank you: United Way of Putnam County, Greencastle Kiwanis, Kroger, Therese Cunningham, Family Friends and Fun (Putnam County Extension Homemakers) and Lumber Workx Custom Sawing LLC. We are grateful for the ongoing support of Vince of Ray's Trash Service for their annual donation of boxes that we use for our coat collections.

Congratulations to the following that participated in our school competition. We are excited to announce we have three winners this year: Tzouanakis Intermediate (GCS) for the best decorated box, Central Elementary (SPCS) for the best video and promotion of the campaign, and North Putnam High School for the most coats collected.

Traveling plaques will be presented to these individual schools in the next few weeks. Ultimately it's not about which school wins or loses, but the numbers of children we are able to help stay warm.

We must not forget our friends throughout the Putnam County community, we couldn't continue without you. Tasha Clark, Gabby Selvia, Rita Reffett, Emily Dobson, Mallary Meyer, James Wilson, Allacyn Arnold, Zane Crosby, Aaron Cole, Corey Brackney, Katie Jo Beasley, Kelly Robertson and Jake Schroer.

Last but certainly not least, to those who have supported us all along the way you are the greatest: William Merkel, Jamie and Noah Mourey, Paula, Sarah, Grace and Katie Fry, Dominique Gibson, Lora and Bob Busch, Sherry Cash, Carol Emery and Patti Harmless.

Have a wonderful holiday season and a safe and prosperous start to 2015.

On behalf of the children of Putnam County. Thank you.

Linda Merkel

Coats for Kids

PC Youth Development

Commission