INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - It feels like summer out there, but this is Indiana and it could feel like winter any day.
The Salvation Army and Channel 13 are teamed up again to help kids stay warm when cold returns.
The Coats for Kids drive is under way. Sunday outside Lucas Oil Stadium, Colts fans donated coats and cash.
One volunteer ringing a bell announced to the passing fans, "Donations for kids."
Kids who need warm coats to get through the winter. "Thank you so much." she said to fan who placed cash in the donation bucket.
The Salvation Army figures it needs about 4-thousand coats for kids, from infants to teenagers, this winter.
Even with a booming economy and near zero unemployment, the Salvation Army still sees families trapped in poverty.
"The need hasn't gone away." said Major Bob Webster. "People who have the need are the ones that have 2,3,4 part time jobs. They are doing everything they can to make ends meet and the kids somehow fall through the cracks."
Channel 13 has partnered to the with the Salvation Army for decades to help families help their kids.
Thousands of new and gently used coats are sorted and cleaned. Classic Cleaners will repair and launder the used clothing, making it look almost brand new.
Corey Restivo, like other Colts fans, donated cash. "I've been brought up to give what we can to help those who can't," he said Sunday.
Peggy Richardson donates her time, collecting coats and then helping children pick out the right one during the big Coats for Kids giveaway every year the State Fairgrounds.
"Just seeing the kids faces when they put on that new coat and they know they are going to be warm for the winter - that's what does it for me." she said.
Coats for Kids can be donated at any of the Classic Cleaners locations until October 11.
Coats for infants, toddlers and adult-sized teenagers is the biggest need.
The big giveaway is set for October 19.