Jeremy Brilliant/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - It's spring-like outside, but that's about to change and thousands of central Indiana children will be prepared.
For more than two decades, Bob Gregory's "Coats For Kids" campaign has provided new and gently used coats free of charge. Gregory and a few of his friends went shopping Monday morning, spending donated dollars to make sure central Indiana children have coats this winter.
"A lot of kids that probably would not have a warm coat for the winter will get one and they'll get one free and they'll get it with a smile on the giver's face once he gives that coat and he'll feel that warmth of the coat, as well as the warmth of the community, and you can't beat that!" Gregory said.
For 24 years, the "Coats for Kids" campaign has enlisted community support from Channel 13, Burlington Coat Factory and the Salvation Army, which coordinates distribution.
"It creates a spirit within for each of the children, as well as the parents, that there's hope and that no matter how difficult the time now economically, someone is reaching out and saying we care," said Major Richard Amick, Salvation Army.
Most of the kids will get a gently-used coat, but thousands will get a brand new one, all provided by generous donations.
Between what fans brought to the Colts game October 10 and what people have dropped off at area Tuchman Cleaners locations, a total of nearly 6,000 coats have been collected. Damaged and dirty coats are cleaned and made to look like new, thanks to Tuchman Cleaners.
"We make sure that the zippers and everything work on there, have buttons and all the spots off," said Michael Washington with Tuchman Cleaners.
That care is taken so that each child feels like they're getting something new on distribution day.
"In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to collect coats to put on children, but that's not the situation," Gregory said.
As trying as times may be, there are still thousands willing to give to make sure thousands more have a warm body and warm heart this winter.
The Eyewitness News staff will help distribute coats to children Saturday (October 30) at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. While Monday (October 25) is the last day to drop off coats at Tuchman Cleaners, with most branches open until 7 p.m., you can still make a monetary donation.
Bob Gregory's Coats For Kids
