The Salvation Army & WBRE-TV 28 & WYOU-TV 22 Partner to Provide Winter Coats to Kids in PA
WILKES-BARRE (Sept. 23, 2024) – For a third year in a row, children across northeastern Pennsylvania will be given the gift of warmth and comfort thanks to the efforts of The Salvation Army in Eastern Pennsylvania and WBRE-TV 28 and WYOU-TV 22.
On Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. the station will hold its third annual Coats for Kids drive to collect new and gently used coats for kids at three drop off locations:
62 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18701
Corner of Biden Street and Adams Avenue, Scranton, Pa. 18503
1004 W. Main St., Stroudsburg, Pa. 18360
Once the coats are collected, local Salvation Army Corps in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and East Stroudsburg will distribute them to families in need in the specific communities where the coats were donated.
“Many families are still grappling with rising costs, making essentials like a warm winter coat for a growing child difficult to afford,” said Lt. Colonel Larry Ashcraft, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division. “A coat can be the difference between a child staying home from school on a cold day or being able to attend. This drive ensures that no child has to face the cold without proper clothing. We are grateful for this partnership and the community’s support in helping us provide warmth and comfort to those who need it most.”
Children’s coats of all sizes, ranging from infants to teens, are needed. Donated coats should be in good, wearable condition and should not have rips or tears, broken zippers or permanent stains. Please be sure to empty all pockets. All gently used coats will be collected and sent to Cintas to be dry-cleaned and back to the Corps for distribution. This year, donors can send new coats via Amazon or general mail to the station at 62 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18701.
“Thanks to our partnership with The Salvation Army and the generous donations from our viewers, more than 2,000 coats have been given to local children who need them. I am very grateful for everyone who has contributed to this project to make it what it is today,” said Vice President and General Manager of WBRE-TV Andrew Wyatt. "We started this coat drive three years ago as part of our NEPA Children’s First Initiative. It has been very exciting to see how this project has grown in such a short amount of time.”
NEPA’s Children First is an initiative to provide children and families local to northeastern and central Pennsylvania with support, resources and recognition they need. The campaign ensures children will have the tools to grow as upstanding citizens.
For more information on how to donate coats to the Coats for Kids drive, visit https://www.pahomepage.com/coats-for-kids/. Individuals who are unable to donate but would like to support The Salvation Army, are eligible and encouraged to volunteer as bell ringers.
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About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army of Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware is a faith-based, comprehensive human service organization whose programs help individuals, families and whole communities lead healthier, safer and more productive lives. Since 1879, The Army has held a record of accomplishment stemming from its holistic approach to providing for the needs of the whole individual – physically, emotionally, economically and spiritually. The Army’s programming serves every zip code through 43 community centers and a network of volunteers throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Delaware. Programs and services historically include shelter, hot meals, counseling, early childhood development, recreational opportunities, music programs, after-school arts and educational programs, job training, activities for older adults, spiritual development, and drug rehabilitation.
Mission Statement: The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
For more information, please visit www.SalvationArmyPendel.org