‘Coats for Kids’ demand increases

The Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids campaign saw an increase in demand, but was able to provide coats and winter accessories to all who needed help, said Lt. Teresa Brecto, event organizer.

KVLY in Fargo discontinued work in the program this year. Locally, Ave Maria Village and Martinizing Dry Cleaning assisted the Salvation Army.

“Donations for coats were good this year,” Brecto said. “Were we up from last year? I’m going to say no. We ended up purchasing coats for families we did not have.”

In total 155 people were helped this year with 104 coats, and 204 accessories like hats, gloves and scarves. The Salvation Army had to purchase close to 43 coats to provide help where the donations did not cover the need.

The drive ran from Oct. 6 to 13.

Brecto said the greatest need was for children 6 to 12 years old.

The Salvation Army is also accepting applications for the Angel Tree program.

The program involves community members buying gifts for children newborn to 18 who are still in school and residents of Stutsman County.

To apply a parent must come into the Salvation Army offices between 10 a.m. and noon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, or from 1 to 3 p.m. on the same days.

Parents need a valid form of identification and a valid form for the child, which could be a Social Security or medical card.

At the same time families can apply for holiday food baskets. Cargill is working with the Salvation Army this year and hopes to supply baskets for 110 families and 40 individuals.

Tags: news, benefit