39th annual Coats 4 Kids drive collecting coats to keep local kids warm this winter

SPOKANE, Wash. — As the weather cools down, kids across the area are in need of warm winter coats.

For the 39th year, 4 News Now’s Coats 4 Kids is collecting new and gently-used winter coats to donate to children in the community.

Dave Richardson, Executive Director of Northeast Community Center, said the drive is crucial for families in the Inland Northwest.

“Coats are expensive. Kids outgrow them and lose them at school and other places, and so being able to give them that coat, saves the family resources,” said Richardson.

Last year, Northeast Community Center gave out 1,024 coats to 308 families.

Lisa Fuchs works at the West Central Community Center and has helped hand out coats for the last 17 years.

“For families, it takes a burden off of being able to keep your kids warm and in something they want to wear,” she said.

Fuchs said volunteers come together to sort and hang coats and help kids pick out ones they like.

“It gives you such a joy to watch because you know if it is something that they feel good in it is something that they are going to wear,” she said.

Since 1985, Coats 4 Kids has donated over 400,000 coats to kids in our community.

This year, from October 1 through October 31, you can donate coats at local sponsor locations: Goodwill, Papa Murphy’s STCU and Fred’s Appliance.

All coats will be professionally cleaned at ALSCO and then delivered to local community centers for distribution.

For more information on Coats 4 Kids, click here.