MOUNT VERNON — For nearly four decades, Knox County residents have come together to make sure local children have something warm to wear when winter arrives.
This October, the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon and Gault’s Plaza Cleaners & Laundromat will continue that tradition with the annual Coats for Kids drive.
From Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, community members are invited to donate new or gently used coats, with children’s sizes especially needed. Collection boxes will be placed at over 30 partner locations throughout Knox County, making it easy for residents, businesses, schools, and organizations to participate.
The process is simple. You donate a coat, Gault’s Plaza Cleaners cleans it, and local organizations make sure it reaches a child who needs it. Interchurch Social Services and The Salvation Army distribute the coats before the coldest months of the year arrive. Mount Vernon Pak Mail is again providing the collection boxes.
“Every year, I’m reminded that something as simple as a coat can bring an entire community together,” said Alyssa Gomez-Lawrence, president of the Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon. “There are businesses collecting coats, schools getting their students involved, organizations hosting boxes, and individuals simply grabbing an extra coat from their closet to donate. It’s a great example of what can happen when everyone does a small part.”
Club reaches major milestone
The community reached a major milestone last year when Coats for Kids surpassed 20,000 coats collected, cleaned, and distributed since the program began in 1987. That milestone represents nearly 40 years of generosity from individuals, businesses, schools, organizations, and community partners throughout Knox County.
While the milestone provides something to celebrate, the need behind the drive remains real. Rising costs and increased demand for assistance mean that local families continue to face difficult choices during the winter months. A warm coat can be one less expense for a family already working to make ends meet.
The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon is dedicated to improving the lives of children and strengthening the community through service. Coats for Kids is one of the club’s longest-running projects and continues to demonstrate the impact of neighbors helping neighbors.
For more information about Coats for Kids or how to participate, contact Lisa Lloyd at lisa@knoxcf.org.