Salvation Army in Need of Coats

Thousands of area residents brave the cold winter months without a coat.

One local organization is hoping to change that with its “Coats for Kids” campaign. The Salvation Army is currently asking for new or gently used children’s coat and hat donations. President of the Women’s Auxiliary, Beth Archer, said they do it because the need for coats is so high.

“I have to tell you it’s my two favorite days of the year because the little kids come in for coats, and we have found out over the years when we’re buying the coats, that you need to have a supply of pink and purple if you’re doing little girl coats,” Archer said.

The drive will take place on October 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Salvation Army. If you are a Muskingum, Perry or Morgan County resident with children in need of winter attire, all you have to do is show up with a picture ID and social security number for everyone in your household.

“The best part is seeing those kids with their coats on, sometimes it’s not cold that day, it’s in October, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to be cold and when the kids leave they always have their coat on and some of them have their hats on,” Archer said.

Over the last few years, the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary has given more than 600 coats to residents in need. The coats are offered for newborns through 12th grade.