Doing Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget to Donate Old Coats

Thousands of Central Indiana children will need winter coats in the fall and the Coats for Kids team is already getting a head start on fulfilling this need. The Salvation Army of Central Indiana, along with Classic Cleaners and the Noblesville Times’ media partner WTHR, are accepting winter coat donations throughout the month of April. All sizes are needed from infant through teen and adult. 
 

During April the public is invited to drop off a new or gently used winter coat at any Classic Cleaners location. Collection boxes are placed at the front of each Classic Cleaners store to make donations easy and simple. These coats will be cleaned and stored for the Coats for Kids distribution day in November. The event in 2024 saw more 5,000 coats given to children in the Indianapolis area to ensure they were kept warm this last winter season.
 

Supporters who do not have a coat to give can still help make a difference in their community. A donation of $25 to the Coats for Kids program helps The Salvation Army of Central Indiana buy a brand-new coat for a child in need.
 

“It’s incredible to have so many partners in the Indianapolis area that want to share the gift of warmth,” said Major Malinda O’Neil, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Central Indiana. “Our Coats for Kids program can be essential to many families who need winter coats, and to see others help gives us warmth and hope for another great event.”
 

The need is great in our community, and it is anticipated that at least 3,000 coats will be distributed at the Nov. 8 Coats for Kids event. Recent years have seen an increase in need as families face strained budgets and high inflation. Because size needs vary from year to year, upwards of 4,000 coats in all sizes will need to be on hand to serve every child.