WISC-TV3 Announces 31st Annual ^Koats For Kids^" Campaign"

WISC-TV3, Klinke Cleaners, the Community Action Coalition, and Magic 98 (98.1FM) are pleased to partner, once again, for the 31st annual Koats For Kids winter coat drive. This year’s campaign runs Monday, September 12th through Saturday, October 8th. Over the last 30 years, area residents, school children and businesses have joined together during Koats For Kids to donate 303,507 coats to individuals and families in need.
Area residents are encouraged to take gently-worn winter outerwear, non-leather caps, scarves and mittens (pinned in pairs), to any Klinke Cleaners. Donations are cleaned free of charge by Klinke Cleaners and handed off to the Community Action Coalition for distribution. News 3 Chief Meteorologist Gary Cannalte and the News 3 weather team, and Magic 98’s Pat O’Neill and Bob Bonner, serve as campaign spokespeople, appearing in public service announcements airing on WISC-TV3, TVW and Magic 98 (98.1FM) throughout the Koats For Kids campaign.
Koats For Kids on-air segments, including daily coat totals and additional information, air Monday through Friday on News 3 This Morning and Monday through Saturday on News 3 at Six. Radio listeners can also follow campaign progress by tuning in weekdays to Magic 98’s Morning Show, with Bob Bonner and Pat O’Neill.
Area schools are encouraged to take part in the campaign’s popular “Collect-A-Coat Contest,” which runs the length of the Koats For Kids campaign. At the contest’s conclusion, commemorative plaques are awarded to the schools collecting the largest total number of coats and the most coats per capita.
Gently-used winter outerwear of all sizes are requested and appreciated, as are snow pants, scarves, hats and mittens/gloves. Items which continue to be in greatest demand include infant and toddler snowsuits and jackets, larger teen jackets (sizes 16-22) and oversized adult outerwear (XXXL and larger).
The Community Action Coalition welcomes volunteers to help sort coats and assist on distribution dates. Those who can spare an hour or two may contact Carissa Cornwell, of the CAC, via email at carissac@cacscw.org or by phone (608) 246-4730, ext. 229 for details.
Coat distribution will begin October 4, 2016, at the CAC’s Clothing Center, 1717 N. Stoughton Rd., Madison. For hours and additional details, call (608) 246-4730.