Donations still sought for Coats for Kids
Donations are still being sought for the Coats for Kids event set for October in Jackson County.
Sarah DeDonder, one of the organizers for the event, said that $5,500 has been collected so far to purchase coats, hats and gloves for children of local low-income families. The goal is to raise $7,500 by the end of the month.
Monetary donations continue to be needed as more than 300 children are expected to be served by the annual event, DeDonder said. The tax-deductible donations can be sent to Coats for Kids, care of Sarah DeDonder, 13086 126th Rd., Hoyt, KS 66440.
Donated funds will be used to purchase new coats, but community members can also purchase coats and donate them to the event, DeDonder said.
“We need new coats as small as size zero to three months to adult XXL,” DeDonder said. “Our goal is also to include gloves and a hat with each coat.”
Coats, hats and gloves can be dropped off at the Jackson County Health Department. Volunteers are also available to pick up larger donations, DeDonder said.
Items will be distributed during the Coats for Kids event, which has been set from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the First United Methodist Church.
Families in need of winter coats can apply for the free items at the Jackson County Health Department. To qualify, a family must also qualify for assistance through the Women, Infants and Children program or free and/or reduced lunches at area school districts. Applications are due at the health department by Oct. 16, DeDonder said.
“That gives us eight days to make sure we have enough coats for all the requests,” she said.
Last year, the event provided coats to more than 300 children. So far, organizers have received more than 150 requests for coats this year from more than 50 applications.
“Even though it’s warm outside right now, cold weather is right around the corner,” she said. “We’re so thankful for the community’s support in making sure all children are warm this winter. It’s only possible because of people stepping up in our community.”
For more information about the third annual Coats for Kids event, contact DeDonder at 620-272-3251 or sarah.dedonder@gmail.com.
