The 29th annual Coats for the Children Campaign to provide warm winter clothing and new toys to local children kicks off Nov. 18
WRAL-TV is once again collecting warm winter clothing, money and new toys for Salvation Army families in need. This annual community service campaign, presented by Jiffy Lube and Chiesi USA Pharmaceuticals, is one of WRAL-TV’s signature events. Nov. 18 through Dec. 31, WRAL-TV invites the public to donate new or gently used coats and new toys at participating Jiffy Lube locations in Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Durham, Fayetteville, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Goldsboro, Raleigh, Spring Lake, Wake Forest and Wilson.
“Regrettably the need for our children grows each year. That is why this year more than ever it is wonderful that we live in this generous community. Each year it comes as no surprise during Coats for the Children that we witness that generosity. WRAL-TV is proud to join the Salvation Army to encourage our viewers to do what they do best: donate to those who need it during this holiday season. That donation puts a smile on a child’s face and brings warmth into that person’s home,” says WRAL-TV Vice President and General Manager Steven D. Hammel.
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.
“Keeping children in our community warm through the winter months is a top priority with the Salvation Army,” said Major Stephen Long of the Salvation Army of Wake County. “We are thankful we have been able to help accomplish this through our now 29-year partnership with WRAL.”
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.
On Friday, Dec. 8, WRAL-TV will broadcast its 29th 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 a one-hour live special at 1 p.m. and a half-hour live special at 7 p.m.
Credit card donations can be made online Nov. 18 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. $125 is the “magic number” to completely outfit a child for the winter season.
Other information such as coat drop-off locations, participating Salvation Army branches, 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. 8!
Since 1989, WRAL-TV has collected more than 165,000 coats and raised nearly $2 million to provide winter clothing for Salvation Army families.
WRAL-TV thanks community partners Jiffy Lube and Chiesi USA Pharmaceuticals for their support of this project.
Thanks to WRAL-TV for this capcom story.