WRAL-TV is once again collecting warm winter clothing and money for Salvation Army families in need. That need is still great, but this year, you’re invited to give these families some Christmas joy as well by donating new toys!
November 19th through December 31st, WRAL-TV invites the public to donate new or gently used coats and new toys at participating Jiffy Lube and First Citizens Bank locations in Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Garner and Raleigh.
- Participating Jiffy Lube locations are also in Clayton, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Spring Lake, Wake Forest and Wilson.
- Additional participating First Citizens Bank locations are in Knightdale, Pittsboro, RTP, Wendell and Zebulon.
WRAL is asking the public to donate clean coats and other winter clothing items including gently used gloves, hats, and new long underwear, t-shirts and socks to completely outfit a child for the winter months. Any size coat will be accepted; however, larger sizes for teens and infant sizes are in particular demand.
For the first time, WRAL will also collect new toys. During the last two years, the Salvation Army has seen a huge increase in the number of families signing up for its December ‘Toy Shop’ program. Donations are needed to help reach their goal to provide two new toys to each child whose family has requested help through the Salvation Army’s Toy Shop.
“Joy is a necessity! This year in Wake County, over 7,700 children need a special blessing of Christmas joy,” says Major Pete Costas, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army of Wake County. “By simply providing a toy and winter clothing for them, we will also provide a moment of hope. Hope that joy is not lost, despite what circumstances may come. That moment is priceless, and we are truly grateful for the community’s support in this effort this holiday season.”
On Friday, December 9th, WRAL-TV will broadcast the “Coats for the Children Telethon,” raising money to buy new, warm winter clothing and undergarments. Telethon operators will accept pledges from 6:00am until 8:00pm. The telethon includes two half-hour specials at 1:00pm and 7:00pm.
Credit card donations can be made online starting this Saturday through December 31 by going to WRAL.com and searching keyword “Coats.” Other information such as coat drop-off locations, participating Salvation Army branches, telethon thank you gifts, and general campaign details can also be found on WRAL.com.
Also beginning Saturday, November 19 through December 31, text “Coats” to 85944 to donate $10 to the Coats for the Children campaign.
Since 1989, WRAL-TV has collected nearly 134,000 coats and raised $1,224,800 to provide winter clothing for Salvation Army families.
“In both good and tough economic times, we have a very generous community. I am pleased we are able to be working with the Salvation Army in this, our 23rd year for Coats for the Children to help meet the growing need,” says WRAL-TV Vice President and General Manager Steven D. Hammel. “This year, the effort includes the ability for people to donate new unwrapped toys. We hope this will add to the happiness of this holiday season.”
WRAL-TV thanks its community partners, Jiffy Lube and First Citizens Bank, for their support of this project.
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Debbie Tullos for this capcom story & graphic.
