Coats For Kids 2018
Saturday started out chilly, but it didn’t stop hundreds of families from visiting the Indiana State Fairgrounds to help their children start out the winter with warm coats, hats and gloves. In fact, the cold weather was a good reminder of why Coats for Kids has been helping families in need for so many years. The Salvation Army teamed up with WTHR, Tuchman Cleaners and Two Men and a Truck to collect, clean, store and distribute thousands of coats this year in order to ensure that no child in central Indiana goes cold this winter. 
The doors at the Elements Financial Blue Ribbon Pavilion opened at 8 AM, but the line stretched around the building as a steady stream of parents arrived with their children. With the help of over 100 volunteers, the line quickly entered the building and each family was matched with a personal coat shopper. After choosing coats for each child, the families headed to tables covered with thousands of gloves, mittens and hats. The Murphy family, long-time Salvation Army supporters, donated thousands of hats and gloves to guarantee that supplies wouldn’t run out. They also volunteered, helping kids choose the perfect gear among dozens of styles and sizes. From the tiniest newborns to teenagers taller than their parents, every child left with the cold weather gear they’ll need to get through another tough Indiana winter.
By 2:00pm over 2,500 coats had been distributed to families in need. Coats for Kids helps to ease the financial burden that winter brings to families, when heating costs go up and growing kids need new gear to keep them warm while waiting for the school bus or playing outside. This important program is made possible by the generosity of individuals, families and businesses in our community who donate time, cash and coats. Thank you for all you do to support Coats for Kids!
For pictures from this years event, visit our Flickr page here.
