Coats for the Children Telethon on Friday, Dec. 13
Collection of warm winter clothing and new toys through Dec. 31
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 Pharmaceuticals, is one of WRAL-TV’s signature events. Nov. 23 through Dec. 31, WRAL-TV invites the public to donate new or gently used coats and new toys at participating Jiffy Lube locations in Holly Springs, Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Durham, Fayetteville, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Goldsboro, Raleigh, Spring Lake, Wake Forest and Wilson.
“The Salvation Army and WRAL have worked together for the past 31 years to wrap our children of this community in a warm hug through Coats for the Children,” said Major Al Newsome, Area Commander of the Salvation Army of Wake and Lee Counties. “We are only able to accomplish this through the generosity of our Raleigh community. We are asking you to help us again this year to wrap our children in warmth.”
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.
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. 13, WRAL-TV will broadcast its 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.
“Coats for the Children is a highlight of the year for us at WRAL,” says WRAL-TV Vice President and General Manager Joel Davis. “Serving others is our highest calling. With the telethon, we have the opportunity to dedicate an entire day to joining our friends and neighbors in supporting each other and making our community stronger. The impact is truly inspirational. It doesn’t get any better than that!”
Credit card donations can be made Nov. 23 through Dec. 31 by texting “Coats” to 41444 to make a debit/credit card gift of any amount. You can also donate online at WRAL.com or go to our WRAL News App and search the keyword “Coats.” Use your phone to make a donation now! $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. 13!
Since 1989, WRAL-TV has collected more than 172,500 coats and raised $2 million to provide winter clothing for Salvation Army families.
WRAL-TV thanks community partners Jiffy Lube and Chiesi Pharmaceuticals for their support of this project.
Thanks to WRAL-TV for this capcom story & graphic.
