WTHR launches Coats for Kids 2012 - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

We may not feel it yet, but winter is just around the corner and thousands of kids depend on your generosity to get them through the season. WTHR is launching our 26th annual Bob Gregory Coats for Kids campaign.

For 26 years, Hoosiers with big hearts have helped keep Central Indiana children warm in the winter. They donate coats to the Bob Gregory Coat for Kids campaign. It's a partnership between WTHR, Tuchman Cleaners, the Salvation Army and you, the donors.

"There isn't any easier way, I don't think, that somebody can put a smile on a kid's face," said Bob Gregory.

Bob Gregory, former Channel 13 weatherman, comes out of retirement each year to lead Coats for Kids.

"It's really significant that we've lasted this long, and as you know, we've got such a great corps of volunteers. The downside is the fact that we still need to do this for kids," he said.

"It's very tough out there. I'm not working and it's a big struggle just trying to make ends meet. It's really hard," said Elizabeth Cash, mother.

But Coats for Kids softens the blow and brings families in need moments of joy.

"I'm gonna be thrilled to wear this to school," said Cash's daughter Emily at last year's event.

You can thrill kids once again by giving them a new or gently-used coat. Just drop off a coat at any Tuchman Cleaner location where it will be cleaned and prepared for Coat Distribution Day.

You can also drop off a coat or cash to buy new coats at a Colts coat collection at a home game in October.

"People who don't have children or access to buy a coat, we just recommend that they make a check out to the Salvation Army and then in that little memo section down there, specify Coats for Kids," said Gregory.

In the last 26 years of Coats for Kids, Hoosiers have donated 200,000 coats.

You can drop off any new or gently used coats at Tuchman Cleaners locations now through October 15th or at the Indianapolis Colts home game against Green Bay on October 7th.

We will distribute coats to kids on October 20th at the State Fairgrounds. Details here.