Thanks from Coats for Kids committee

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Putnam County Youth Development Commission we would like to thank the many individuals, businesses, industries and schools that contributed to the success of our 10th annual Coats for Kids Campaign. Because of the efforts of so many, over 700 coats were distributed at Harris Hall at the Putnam County Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 31.

Words cannot express our sincere appreciation for what your donation meant to this program and more importantly to the many children you have helped be better prepared for the cold and snowy months ahead.

A huge thank you goes to Kappa Delta Phi Sorority and their continued service in decorating those "yellow boxes," Wabash Valley Goodwill Industries for the use of their coat racks so our inventory could be hung according to size and gender, to Jackie Baumann and the Putnam County Homemaker's Extension Club who joined our efforts and facilitated the use of Harris Hall, to the PC Juvenile Probation Office in helping to organize all the coats, hats, and gloves on the day before distribution, to the wonderful students and parents from South Putnam High School who assisted families in locating and selecting coats and ensuring the children received a snack before leaving, to F. B. Distro and their continued support and donation to our cause, to Walmart Super Center for the grant to support the purchase of hats and gloves, and to Walmart Distribution for their generous donation of coats, to the families of Roachdale Elementary who continue to be our shining star in collections, and to all Putnam County middle and high schools for participating in our first annual team competition; and, to you Putnam County for your generous contribution of new or gently used coats.

We cannot forget to thank all the community volunteers especially Pam Wade and Bill Merkel, who gave so freely of their time and talents, and finally to the Putnam County United Way for their financial contribution to this worthwhile program.

Look for the announcement of next year's campaign in early August. Have a wonderful holiday season and a safe and prosperous start to 2010. Thanks again!

2009 Coats for Kids Committee:

Becky Brothers, Matt Demmings, Patti Harmless, Linda Merkel