The 26th annual Coats for the Children Campaign to provide warm winter clothing and new toys to local children is underway!
WRAL-TV is once again collecting warm winter clothing, money and new toys for Salvation Army families in need. This annual community service campaign is one of WRAL-TV’s signature events. Now through Dec. 31, WRAL-TV invites the public to donate new or gently used coats and new toys at participating Jiffy Lube and First Citizens Bank locations. Participating First Citizens locations are in Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Knightdale, Pittsboro, Raleigh, RTP, Wendell and Zebulon. Participating Jiffy Lube locations are in Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Durham, Fayetteville, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Goldsboro, Raleigh, Spring Lake, Wake Forest and Wilson.
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.
WRAL is also collecting new toys again this year. During the last few 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.
“Each of us grabs one on the way out the door each morning. We never stop to think that there are thousands of children out here who just don’t have a coat,” says Major Pete Costas, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army of Wake County. “The Coats for the Children campaign is essential for these children, and not only that, it’s life-changing. A coat provides more than just warmth. A coat can provide a child hope in their time of need.”
On Friday, Dec. 12, WRAL-TV will broadcast its 26th Annual Coats for the Children Telethon, raising money to buy new, warm winter clothing and undergarments for Salvation Army children in need. Telethon operators will accept pledges from 6 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. The telethon includes two live, half-hour specials at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Credit card donations can be made online now through Dec. 31 by going to WRAL.com and searching keyword “Coats.” Use your phone to make a donation now! Text “Coats” to 41444 to make a debit/credit card gift of any amount.
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.
When donating coats or new toys, tweet a selfie using #WRALCoats, then watch for yourself on TV during the Coats for the Children telethon on Dec. 12!
Since 1989, WRAL-TV has collected more than 150,000 coats and raised $1,500,000 to provide winter clothing for Salvation Army families.
“As we approach the lower temperatures of winter, many of us in the comfort of our homes stay warm. We want to reach out to those who can to help those who are less fortunate. WRAL-TV is pleased to be working with the Salvation Army for our 26th year of Coats for the Children,” says WRAL-TV Vice President and General Manager Steven D. Hammel.
WRAL-TV thanks 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.
