The 28th annual Coats for the Children Campaign to provide warm winter clothing and new toys to local children kicks off Nov. 19
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. 19 through Dec. 31, WRAL-TV invites the public to donate new or gently used coats and new toys at participating Jiffy Lube locations. 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.
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. This year, WRAL’s campaign also benefits storm victims in eastern North Carolina.
“What does a child out in the cold winter months mean? It means they need a coat! They need to be warm, and that’s what WRAL’s Coats for the Children is all about. Warming up the lives of children we love and support,” said Major Stephen Long of the Salvation Army of Wake County.
On Friday, Dec. 9, WRAL-TV will broadcast its 28th 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. 19 through Dec. 31 by going to WRAL.com and searching keyword “Coats.” Use your phone to make a donation! 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. 9!
Since 1989, WRAL-TV has collected more than 158,000 coats and raised more than $1.6 million to provide winter clothing for Salvation Army families.
“We live in a generous community. Year after year during Coats for the Children we see that generosity unfold. 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 in order to put a smile on someone’s face and bring warmth to their home,” says WRAL-TV Vice President and General Manager Steven D. Hammel.
WRAL-TV thanks community partners Jiffy Lube and Chiesi USA Pharmaceuticals for their support of this project.
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Debbie Tullos for this capcom story & graphic.
