WRAL-TV viewers once again broke the ceiling on how generously they give to those in our community in need. During the 29th Annual Coats For The Children Campaign, which ran during November and December 2017, WRAL collected $182,820.46, the most ever in the 29 years of the program! Over $56,000 of that total came from donations on WRAL.com.
WRAL-TV also collected 4,100 coats, 621 hats and gloves, and 425 toys.
Salvation Army volunteers sorted the coats in early January and distributed them to area children in need. The temperatures in the warehouse were frigid during the sorting, but it warmed hearts to know those coats would soon be keeping kids warm during the cold winter.
In addition to collecting coats at various locations and taking online donations, WRAL-TV hosted the annual Coats For the Children Telethon which brought in funds for program.
“Our Telethon on December 8th was perfectly timed, because the weather was bitterly cold,” said WRAL-TV Director of Local Production Phyllis Parish. “This kept the need for warm winter gear top of mind for our viewers. The phones stayed busy all day as did the online giving. That positive momentum did not let up throughout the campaign. By December 31st, we raised nearly $183,000 for the Salvation Army, the highest total in the 29-year history of our Coats campaign!”
WRAL-TV Anchor/Reporter Brian Shrader pitched in during the Telethon and throughout the Coats For The Children Campaign.
“Telethon day is so much fun at WRAL-TV,” he said. “We get to host dozens of phone bank volunteers all day long. Wool E. Bull always makes an appearance. We even get Santa Claus to spend some time with us! It feels like the last day of school! It’s fun — and it feels good to know that we’re helping our neighbors in need. When we hear those phones ringing, we know the community is joining with us to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Thanks to all the generous WRAL-TV viewers who contributed to the 29th Annual Coats For The Children Campaign!
