Coats for Kids drive in full swing
In time for the cold winter weather and the holiday giving season, Model Cleaners and the Salvation Army are collecting for the second annual “Coats for Kids” coat drive that runs through Dec. 15. Eight area school districts are participating as well as University of Pittsburgh student athletes.
“Last year’s first annual Model Cleaners Coats for Kids Contest was a great success.” said Dan LaCarte, executive vice president of Model Cleaners, Uniforms and Apparel.
In 2016, five participating school district students, parents and school administrators collected more than 4,500 coats for kids who were able to stay warmer this past winter. This year, eight school districts are collecting coats – Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Peters Township, Upper St. Clair, Seton LaSalle, Seneca Valley, North Allegheny and Mars. There also will be Coats for Kids collection baskets at the Peterson Events Center, Oakland.
Child and adult coats also can be donated to any Model Cleaners location.
The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania will distribute the donated coats.
“The Salvation Army is blessed by our partnership with Model Cleaners,” said Major Deb Sedlar, divisional commander of the Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania Division. “Not only is it a wonderful thing that thousands of people will receive the gift of a warm coat, but the partnership with the schools in teaching our young people about the importance of giving back is an added benefit. I want to express the Salvation Army’s sincere appreciation to Model Cleaners and the schools and students involved with this successful event.”
In addition to collecting, cleaning and wrapping the coats, Model Cleaners will award the top two school districts a cash award of $1,000 to the winner and $500 to the second place winner. Last year, Model Cleaners employees cleaned and wrapped 4,500 donated coats, totaling more than $54,000 in free cleaning.
“With the growth in the number of participating school districts, we are hoping to double the number of coats collected this year,” said LaCarte. “We are excited about the opportunity to give the gift of warmth to even more people in 2017. Our goal is to pick up, clean and deliver 10,000 coats for kids that need to stay warm this winter.”
For more information on the “Coats for Kids” program, visit www.ModelCleaners.com.