The Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon, in collaboration with Gault’s Plaza Cleaners, has launched the 2025 Coats for Kids Drive. This initiative aims to provide warm clothing to children in Knox County as temperatures drop. Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used coats throughout October at 37 locations across the county.
Once collected, the coats will be cleaned by Gault’s Plaza Cleaners and distributed by Interchurch Social Services and the Salvation Army before winter sets in. Collection boxes have been provided by Mount Vernon Pak Mail.
Alice Hutzel, Director of Marketing and Development at Knox Community Hospital, expressed enthusiasm for the drive: "The employees at Knox Community Hospital look forward to participating in the Coats for Kids drive every year and many comment about how meaningful it is to support local families in this way. One year, we collected more than 100 coats from KCH staff!" As a member of the Kiwanis board, she emphasized the importance of their mission to improve children's lives.
Since its inception in 1987, nearly 20,000 coats have been distributed through this program. With rising demand for services, both Interchurch Social Services and the Salvation Army expect an increase in families needing assistance this winter. Captain Christine Moretz of the Salvation Army remarked on community generosity: "The Salvation Army is so very grateful to stand in the gap for those who are able to give and those who need to receive. We are blessed to be part of such a generous and compassionate community! Thank you!"
For further details on supporting Coats for Kids 2025, individuals can contact Lisa Lloyd at 740-392-3270, ext. 2.
