Coats for Kids kicks off 2007 collection campaign

Lily Richardson, daughter of Josh and Samantha Richardson, Greencastle, is the first to donate her coats to the annual Coats for Kids campaign. Looking on is Putnam County Commissioner Kristina Warren. Donation boxes are located at 25 locations around the county.

The Putnam County Youth Development Commission, a United Way Agency, announce the 2007 Coats for Kids Campaign.

Donations will help ensure every child in Putnam County can be warm.

New or gently used winter coats of all sizes -- for little ones through teen years -- are being accepted. The boxes were donated by Ray's Recycling Services of Clayton, and were decorated by members of the Kappa Delta Phi Sorority. The containers are located at all elementary and middle schools in Putnam County, Area 30 Career Center, Ivy Tech Community College, and DePauw University Student Union Building. Other locations include the Putnam County Library, Putnam County Courthouse, and Putnam County Hospital.

Members of the Kappa Delta Phi Sorority along with Putnam County Youth Development Commission display the decorated collection boxes.

Several businesses are participating, including Old National Bank, Kroger, International Automotive Corporation, Crown and Wal-Mart Superstore. The new owners of Harmless Maytag Laundries have volunteered time to clean each coat at no charge. Coats will be distributed to those in need at the Putnam County Senior Center Clothes Closet across the street from the Putnam County Courthouse starting Nov. 16 through Dec. 14.

Without the ongoing support of the Putnam County United Way Agency and the generosity of the community, this program would not be possible. For more information, contact the Putnam County Youth Development Commission at 653-9342.