It’s about time to break out the winter coats – and donate gently used ones for local people in need.
White Hat Cleaners owner Rob Harris is just getting started with this year’s 16th annual Coats for Kids campaign.
He is looking for donations of coats, sleeping bags, and blankets from Campbell Riverites.
Items can be dropped off in a tote in his store located at 601 11th Avenue.
The company then dry cleans them and the Salvation Army distributes them, as they have for many years.
“For the past fifteen years, Rob Harris and his staff from White Hat Cleaners have been helping Campbell River’s less fortunate by collecting, cleaning and delivering donated jackets, sleeping bags and blankets to the Salvation Army for distribution through the Lighthouse Centre, Evergreen House Emergency Shelter and the nightly Sandwich Van,” said Salvation Army community ministries director Kevin Mack.
The campaign runs through to the end of November, and Harris expects to receive many donations, as he usually gets at least 1000 gently used coats, many of which are in great condition.
“And the quality of the coats is just bizarre, some of them are just amazing,” said Harris, adding that some coats are dropped off brand new.
Mack said the donations are much needed in the community, and the Salvation Army heavily relies on them. He said the initiative is important.
“It’s great,” said Mack.
“We rely entirely on donations and support. Without it we wouldn’t be able to do the things we do.”