Caring Causes - Twin Cities Salvation Army Kicks Off Annual “Coats For Kids” Campaign

 

The Salvation Army in the Twin Cities has launched its annual “Coats For Kids” campaign to collect warm weather gear for Twin Cities children in need. Due to continued higher costs for food, gas, rent, and utilities, the cost of winter wear is an additional stress for families who will be struggling with financial pressures again this winter.   The public can help by donating new or gently used coats for children and youth of all ages—as well as winter accessories like hats, mittens, gloves, boots and snow pants. Coats are needed in all sizes, including adult sizes for high school-aged youth. The “Coats For Kids” drive is running now through Saturday, October 11th.   “As the cost of living continues to rise, more families are finding it harder to afford even the basics,” said Lt. Colonel Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander, which serves Minnesota and North Dakota. “Too often, parents are forced to choose between paying bills, buying groceries, or keeping their children warm. Our annual coat drive helps lift that burden, making sure kids have the protection they need to face the cold months ahead.”   Coats and other winter wear can be dropped off at Salvation Army headquarters in Roseville or at any of their service center locations listed here: Salvation Army Division Headquarters, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville Maplewood Salvation Army, 2080 Woodlynn Ave., Maplewood North Minneapolis Salvation Army, 2024 Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis Northeast Minneapolis Salvation Army, 2727 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis South Minneapolis Salvation Army, 1604 E. Lake St., Minneapolis St. Paul Eastside Salvation Army, 1019 Payne Ave., St. Paul St. Paul West 7th Salvation Army, 401 W. 7th St., St. Paul Brooklyn Park Salvation Army, 10011 Noble Parkway, Brooklyn Park Burnsville Salvation Army at Prince of Peace, 13801 Fairview Dr., Burnsville Blaine Salvation Army at Anoka County Service Center, 1201 89th Ave. NE, Blaine   Coats can also be dropped off at all Twin Cities Livea Weight Control Centers: 14800 Galaxie Ave., #102, Apple Valley 3601 Minnesota Dr., #140, Bloomington/Edina 3495 Northdale Blvd. NW, #100, Coon Rapids 13911 Ridgedale Dr., #110, Minnetonka 1639 W. County Road C, #210, Roseville 1920 Donegal Dr., #200, Woodbury   Those who prefer to make a monetary gift can visit GiveCoats.org. Just $25 will provide a new high-quality coat for a local child in need.    “We invite our community to come together for this vital effort,” Polsley said. “Every child deserves the comfort and security of a warm coat during the cold winter months.”   The Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids campaign has been helping to keep children warm for over 30 years. In that time, supporters have donated nearly 500,000 coats and accessories to aid families in need. Families needing coats this winter or those wanting more information should visit GiveCoats.org.          #     #     #   The Salvation Army Northern Division last year helped 300,000 people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardship through a range of social services, meeting human needs without discrimination. This year, new struggles caused by food shortages, inflation, increased energy costs and the threat of eviction have elevated the numbers of those seeking assistance.   By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army Northern Division is #DoingTheMostGood at more than 85 operation centers in Minnesota and North Dakota. For more information about The Salvation Army Northern Division, please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org.