Coats for Kids Drive Collecting Donations Across Knox County Through October

Knox County residents have the rest of October to help local children stay warm this winter through the annual Coats for Kids drive.

The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon and Gault’s Plaza Cleaners and Laundromat are partnering once again for the community-wide collection, which runs through October 31. Organizers are encouraging residents to donate new or gently used coats, with children’s sizes especially needed.

Collection boxes are available at more than 30 participating locations throughout Knox County, including schools, businesses and community organizations.

After coats are donated, Gault’s Plaza Cleaners cleans them before they are distributed to local children and families through Interchurch Social Services and the Salvation Army. Mount Vernon Pak Mail is providing the collection boxes.

The drive has a long history in Knox County. Since the program began in 1987, more than 20,000 coats have been collected, cleaned and distributed. The milestone was reached last year, reflecting decades of support from residents, businesses, schools and other community partners.

Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon President Alyssa Gomez-Lawrence said the effort demonstrates how small contributions from across the community can make a difference for local families.

Organizers say the need for winter clothing remains as families face rising costs and increased demand for assistance. A donated coat can help ease some of the financial pressure as temperatures drop.

Residents interested in contributing can drop off a new or gently used coat at a participating collection site through October 31.

For more information, contact Lisa Lloyd at lisa@knoxcf.org.

Source: WQIO and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce.