INDIANAPOLIS — It was another successful year of winter coat collection for The Salvation Army of Central Indiana's annual Coats for Kids program.
The program, in partnership with WTHR and Classic Cleaners, collects winter coats, gloves, hats and scarves to serve 5,000 children in central Indiana.
To date, more than 5,200 coats have been collected for kids in need.
"They're sorted by cleaning instructions, whether dry-cleaned or wet-cleaned. They're sorted by brand, new or gently-used, and we'll look at them as far as spots and see if there is any spots that we need to pretreat before we clean," said Amanda Foster, with Classic Cleaners.
Alternatively, every donation of $25 to The Salvation Army's online coat shop allows the organization to buy a coat for a child registered in the program. For how you can make a monetary donation to help, click here.
"We are going to be warm this winter, and I am happy about that," said Alyiana Mathis, whose family came to distribution day for the first time on Saturday. "I was not expecting all of this. Honestly, I was expecting a little less."
The Coats for Kids distribution event took place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds' Blue Ribbon Pavilion, located at 1202 E. 38th St. in Indianapolis.
"When they find that right coat, it's like boom," 13News meteorologist Sean Ash said. "That smile, that's what it's all about."
Parents or caregivers were required to provide either a valid ID or Coats for Kids registration confirmation email with them to shop for coats, and children had to be present to try on the items.
Those who want to donate can use this QR code:
Online registration is now closed. If coats were available, walk-ins on the day of the event were welcome.
For families who registered and couldn't make it out, they can go to one of the Salvation Army community centers near Eagle Creek and Fountain Square to get their coat.
For more information on the program, including how to donate or volunteer, click here.
