Coats 4 Kids has begun collecting gently-used coats and winter items to support families in need.
This past Saturday, the 63rd year of the Coats 4 Kids campaign began, with donations being accepted until Oct. 18 at one of the Red Deer Christmas Bureau's many drop-off locations across the city.
The Red Deer Christmas Bureau is calling on Central Albertans to donate coats for children and adults, as well as items like mitts, gloves, toques, scarves and ski pants. A full list of drop-off locations can be found online at www.reddeerchristmasbureau.com.
Additionally, donations of coats and winter items can be made at the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre's annual Charity Checkstop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 5 along Taylor Drive, between 32 Street and 43 Street. Additionally, people can drop donations at Classic Cleaners (4912 35 St.), Village Dry Cleaners (5101 76 St.), Coverall Shop (6722 Gaetz Ave. and 7610 Edgar Industrial Dr.), or Mustang Laundry (6830 59 Ave.) on the day of the Charity Checkstop.
The winter items collected over the next couple weeks will be distributed at the Red Deer Christmas Bureau from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14-18 and Oct. 21-25. (All coats are dry-cleaned before being distributed to the families in need.)
"We will try to provide an assortment of coats for all ages and accessories but can’t guarantee sizing, as these coats are donated by the community," states the bureau's website.
All clients, including children, will need to provide Alberta Health Care cards. Parents will also be required to provide proof of address (clients must be from Red Deer, Red Deer County, Penhold or Springbrook).
Last year, the campaign resulted in the collection of 666 winter coats, 159 summer coats, 94 snow pants, 892 scarves, mitts and toques, and 20 pairs of boots. All of these items were given away and the bureau wasn't able to accommodate for all of the items needed because demand was so high.
For more information, people can contact the Red Deer Christmas Bureau at 403-347-2210.
