Daily News

Salvation Army Launches 2015 Coats for Kids Campaign

SPRINGFIELD — As the weather begins to change, the need for layers and warmer clothing is becoming ever more important, especially for the Salvation Army of Greater Springfield. The organization is gearing up for another frigid winter, which brings a critical need for warm, new or gently used winter coats.

To help local families stay warm as the mercury plummets into polar temperatures, the Salvation Army of Greater Springfield announced the launch of the 2015 Coats for Kids campaign. The public can help by donating new or gently used winter coats by Friday, Oct. 16. Warm winter coats are needed in all sizes to fit infants and youth as well as young adults.

Coats for Kids was established in 1980 and has collected tens of thousands of winter coats that are distributed to kids in need throughout the Greater Springfield region. The day for qualified families to register and receive selected coats will be Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Salvation Army location on Pearl Street in downtown Springfield.

“Now is the perfect time of year to clean out your closets and make a difference in a child’s life by donating coats that no longer fit,” said Maj. John Ferreira of the Greater Springfield Salvation Army. “There are many local businesses that will provide drop boxes for the Salvation Army to collect the coats this season, many of whom have been helping with this campaign for years. We are so grateful to the community and those businesses for caring about the well-being of children in the Pioneer Valley and providing them with the means to stay warm this winter.”

Presenting sponsors Berkshire Bank, Belmont Laundry, America’s Box Choice, and Market Mentors, LLC, as well as many other local businesses — including Braman Termite and Pest Elimination, City Tire, Columbia Gas, Curry Printing, Eastfield Mall, Eddie’s Furniture, Enfield Square, Fireside Designs, Food Zone International Supermarket, Hampden Zimmerman, Monson Savings Bank, Noonan Energy, Pride, Raymour & Flanigan, Wilbraham & Monson Academy, and the Zoo in Forest Park — are working to provide support for children in need by keeping them warm this winter. All have teamed up with the goal of collecting thousands of new or gently used winter coats for local children.

For more information on Salvation Army Coats for Kids, call WMAS at (413) 737-1414 or visit salvationarmycoatsforkids.com.