Kiwanis Coats for Kids project helps local needy children

Escanaba, Michigan

By Jillian Jamison
http://www.dailypress.net/page/content.detail/id/515235.html?nav=5003

Bayshore Kiwanis President Bill Smith looks on as Emily Johnson, 10, daughter of AJ and Shari Johnson of Rapid River, donates a coat to the Coats for Kids Project at Gladstone Super Valu Tuesday.

GLADSTONE - Bayshore Kiwanians are once again banding together for the club's annual Coats for Kids Project throughout the area. Public donation barrels have been set up in Gladstone at Gladstone Super Valu, and in Escanaba at Super One Foods, JC Penney, Shopko, Wal-Mart and Elmer's County Market.

Residents are asked to drop off any winter coats they no longer wear, as long as those coats are in good condition. The barrels will remain in place through Nov. 2. NuWay Cleaners and Escanaba Steam Laundry will then collect the coats for cleaning. All coats will be available for pick up from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 7, at Escanaba Middle School. There is no charge for the coats.

Bayshore Kiwanis President Bill Smith said the local Kiwanians began the Coats for Kids Project 20 years ago, because they saw the need in the area. "We came up with the idea, and it has been borrowed since that time," said Smith. "In Green Bay, they have taken the project and run with it," he noted, adding, "It's now so big that they hold distribution day at Packer Stadium."

Smith explained that every child deserves to be warm during the cold winter months, but with the economy as it is, purchasing a quality winter coat for their children is not always an option for many parents. This project takes the financial burden and emotional strain off those parents who can't afford coats for their children.

As winter weather quickly approaches, the need for adequate outerwear becomes critical, especially in this northern region. The Kiwanians' goal is to ensure a warm, healthy winter, to the extent they're able, for all area youth. The public recognizes the need for the coats, as people respond generously to the annual call for coats.

"We collected 500 coats last year," Smith recalled. "That's incredible, and it says a lot about the people of this area."

Smith also noted that once distribution day has come to a close, all leftover winter coats are delivered to the Salvation Army, where they are available to area families seeking assistance during the winter months.

"Nothing is wasted," said Smith. "These coats are very much needed, and we are grateful to all the people who donate."

Bayshore Kiwanis currently has 12 members and is seeking new members. Men and women interested in giving of themselves for the benefit of others are invited to attend the club's next meeting, which is scheduled for 8 a.m. Tuesday morning at the Family Inn.