Letter to the Editor

Coats for Kids still meets community needs

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Dear 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 12th annual Coats for Kids Campaign. Thanks to Putnam County's generosity 1,000 coats were distributed on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Harris Hall at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. Since that time, over 500 additional coats have been locally distributed to churches, schools and social serving agencies.

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

We are grateful to the many partners that join our efforts each year. Thanks again and again to Kappa Delta Phi Sorority dedicating time and energy in decorating our "yellow boxes." To all the many businesses, schools and organizations that serve as collection sites for coat donations.

A sincere thank you to Jackie Baumann and the Putnam County Homemaker's Extension Club that continue to facilitate the use of Harris Hall and graciously shared proceeds from their annual Halloween Fundraiser the last three years. Teena Bryant and the staff of F.D. Distro who helped provide us with 1,300 coats and the coat racks so our inventory could be displayed according to size and gender.

We are proud to announce that Walmart Supercenter exceeded our expectations in providing more hats and gloves than we could ever imagine. A special thank you to Bobby Hopper of McDonald's and the gift cards he so graciously donated to the many families in attendance.

Of course we cannot forget those who provided financial support that provides our program with funds to purchase additional coats throughout the wintry season: Putnam County Women's Republican Club, United Way of Putnam County, Chief's Restaurant and Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

We must not forget Beth Gregory and the staff of Heartland Automotive who willingly share time and effort to shop for specific coats for Putnam County's children.

Our sincere appreciation to Athletic Director Page Cotton and DePauw University for the use of their facility to launder our coats, the time and money saved is overwhelming. To the South Putnam Student Council representatives for your ongoing support and commitment to this program, your involvement truly makes this event special. Our Putnam County families genuinely appreciate your assisting their children in finding the perfect coat.

Congratulations to Greencastle and North Putnam schools team for winning our football competition for the first time. The contest was very close this year, but in the end we have a new winner.

To all the elementary schools that joined the annual event: we are proud once again to announce that Roachdale Elementary, for the fourth consecutive year, will once again be our "shining star." The students and families of the Roachdale community collected a total of 90 coats. A special ice cream party was held in their honor on Wednesday, Nov. 23 along with a visit from the National Night Out Knight.

Certainly we couldn't forget to thank all of our friends throughout Putnam County, we couldn't continue without you. Thank you for ensuring each family had a positive experience: Samantha Richardson, Matt Demmings, Bobby Hopper, David English, William Merkel, Pam Wade, Dominique Gibson, Carol Emery, Jana Brothers, Dave Keller, Chris Ewing, Tammy Hubble, Rebecca Harlan, Teena Bryant, Jim Bastian, Martin Chavez, Kristi Workman, Anita Miller, and Mary Sparks. Also Emily Dobson, J. D. Briones Emma Young, Angel Nield, Matt Lund, Sarah Cheatham, Madi Marsteller, Caitlin Boyce, Sarah Woodworth, Mikayla Cherry, Mariah Cherry, Sawyer Arnold, Nathan Criss, Katherine Spencer, Kassi Rains, Jessie McKean and Brian Gardner.

Look for the announcement of next year's campaign in early August. Have a wonderful holiday season and a safe and prosperous start to 2012. On behalf of the children, thank you, we are truly humbled.

PC Youth Development Commission Coats for Kids Committee

Becky Brothers, Dominique Gibson, Renee Marsteller, Matt Demmings, Patti Harmless and Linda Merkel