PRESS RELEASE
Coats for Kids Drive Kicks Off October 1
Donors will bury the world’s largest red kettle in jackets at
Kowalski’s Market on Grand Ave., 11 a.m.
ST. PAUL, Minn. – September 27, 2007 – Many needy children are heading into Minnesota’s frigid wintry months without warm coats.
The Salvation Army and 5 Eyewitness News are answering with Coats for Kids, a two-week drive aiming to collect 10,000 new or gently used youth winter jackets.
A Coats for Kids kickoff event will be held Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the Kowalski’s Market on Grand Ave. in St. Paul. Refreshments will be served.
Event-goers will be encouraged to “Bury the Kettle” by throwing their donated coats on top of and around Big SAL, the world’s largest kettle at 8 feet, 3,000 pounds.
Coats can also be dropped off at Salvation Army Worship and Service Centers, 5 Eyewitness News in St. Paul, Robert Paul TV in Roseville and participating Kowalski’s Markets and US Cleaners locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area. For a complete list of drop-off sites click here or call the Coats for Kids Hotline at 651-746-3412.
The Coats for Kids Hotline can also be used by families in need of coats.
5 Eyewitness News will promote Coats for Kids live during its 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. weekday newscasts, with additional promotions on 107.1 FM and AM1500 until the drive ends Oct. 14.
Coats for Kids has garnered nearly 260,000 coats since it began 22 years ago.
“Every year our social services offices see an increase in the number of children without adequate winter wear,” said Major Paul Fleeman, commander of the Twin Cities Salvation Army. “We all must give generously to keep our kids safe and warm this winter.”
The Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people in the Twin Cities and is a safety net for those with no place to turn. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a credit card donation, call 651-746-3400 or 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave., Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
