Coats for Kids giveaway, Oct. 27
Media Contact: Julie Borgen, Twin Cities media relations director
Roseville, Minn.- It may be mild this week, but Minnesotans know winter is coming. Now is the time to get prepared and The Salvation Army can help.
The 31st annual Coats for Kids giveaway is on Thursday, Oct. 27 in the Twin Cities, from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., or until supplies run out.
Parents with children ages 17 and under are invited to come get a free coat and winter accessories like hats, mittens and snow pants at one of 11 locations around the metro area. They should plan to go to the site closest to where they live.
“We are proud to offer the only free, public distribution of coats for children in the metro area,” said Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “Thanks to a generous $30,000 donation from Alerus Mortgage, many of the coats we are offering are brand new.”
The Salvation Army expects to give away more than 8,000 coats on Thursday.
Parents do not need to register in advance, but they do need to bring a photo I.D., a current piece of mail confirming their zip code, and an I.D. for each child–that can be a medical card, social security card, birth certificate or a school I.D. (copies are accepted).
Coats and accessories are given out on a first-come, first-served basis and are available while supplies last. If you have a new or gently used coat to donate, you are welcome to drop it off at any of the distribution sites on Thursday.
Coats for Kids has been helping keep local children warm for the last 31 years, giving away more than 325,000 coats and winter accessories since the program began.