INDIANAPOLIS — The past year has been especially difficult for families across central Indiana.
Now, more than ever, WTHR's Coats for Kids needs your help!
Starting Sept. 1, donate new or gently used kids' coats, sized infant to teen, to any Classic Cleaners location.
The annual Coats for Kids coat drive helps the Salvation Army keep children across central Indiana warm.
As of Tuesday morning, Classic Cleaners' plant manager Larry Dickey said more than 1,500 coats have been cleaned and are ready for distribution, with more donations waiting in the wings.
Click here to find your nearest Classic Cleaners location.
Last year, thousands of coats were distributed to Hoosier families at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Registration
This program is for children ages 0-17 (18 if your child is still in school). Your child must be present in order to receive a coat.
All Coats for Kids recipients must pre-register at this link and choose an appointment time in order to receive a coat. Registration opened Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, at 8 a.m. and will remain open until all time slots are filled.
"Within eight hours, we had over 1,200 kids register to receive coats on October 15," said Major Rachel Stouder, the Indianapolis area commander for The Salvation Army.
Coats for Kids is planned for Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Elements Financial Blue Ribbon Pavilion at 1202 E. 38th Street in Indianapolis.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers are still needed for Coats for Kids set-up week (Oct. 10-14) and distribution day (Oct. 15).
This is a great opportunity for corporate groups, churches and service clubs to give back before the busy holiday season.
Visit SalvationArmyIndiana.org/Volunteer to get involved.