Coats for Kids expands to Lake County
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Editor,
Coats for Kids was started by The Kalispell Jaycees 25 years ago to help underprivileged children receive warm winter clothing. The first year they helped 17 families. To date, we have helped over 2,850 families throughout the Flathead Valley receive new warm winter outerwear. Many of these children have never had new coats.
The local Jaycee organization was unable to retain enough members to remain a viable organization. We feel that this fundraiser has too much impact on the local community to stop doing it. So, with the help of some hard working individuals, Coats for Kids was made into its own organization.
Last year, in the Flathead Valley, we took more than 150 children shopping for warm winter outwear which consisted of a coat, boots, hat, gloves, and socks. We also gave out more than 150 brand new coats.
This year, we will be adding Lake County to our program. We found that the Highest Unemployment rate is Lake County. The population, according to Census 2010, is 28,746. Of the 28,746, 20.9 percent are below poverty (6,000 people); 7,000 are under the age of 18. The Statewide poverty is 15 percent of 989,415 people (148,412). From the above numbers we clearly see the need.
The amount of children we will be able to help will depend on the amount of donations we receive. We will be calling each and every business and resident asking for a donation. Our main office is in Kalispell, as we spread, we are hoping to be able to open a small office in Lake County, hiring locals to raise the funds, which in return, will help the community even more. We do not hire outside companies to raise the funds.
Volunteers from the community will meet us and the children at Walmart in Polson Dec. 10. Volunteers will have the children’s name(s), parents' name(s), and a phone number a couple weeks before the event. Volunteers will help the children pick out their brand new coat and boots and if the funding allows; a hat and gloves.
Ways you can help: monetary donation; volunteer; spread the word; silent auction/raffle items; provide breakfast for the children; all donations are 100-percent tax deductible. The donations can be mailed to: PO BOX 553, Ronan, MT, 59864.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail us.
Tiffany Suhr
Director Coats for Kids, Inc.
Kalispell
