9-year-old helps the homeless population, collects coats for kids in need

Nine-year-old Mimi Patton is an exceptionally giving young lady. Her commitment to the community is focused on helping others.

This week, Patton donated more than 100 coats to the Steve’s Coats for Kids drive.

“I love to do things for kids, because it makes me feel good,” Patton said.

WSOC-TV’s Steve’s Coats for Kids campaign is part of the Channel 9 Family Focus brand and was introduced in 2005. Steve’s Coats for Kids runs this year through Dec. 31, 2021.

The young lady started Mimi’s Ministry after seeing a homeless man in uptown.

“I like to help the homeless,” she said. “I’ve taken toiletries, blankets and other stuff to (the) tent city and the women’s shelter and other places.”

Her actions show that, regardless of your age, anyone can make a real difference in the community.

Steve’s Coats for Kids has collected nearly 250,000 coats, and every donated coat spends less than 48 hours in the Crisis Assistance Ministry Free Store before benefiting someone in need.

During the winter months it can get pretty chilly. At WSOC-TV, our aim is to keep children warm.

Our 18th annual Steve’s Coats for Kids drive is underway.

An independent nonprofit agency, Crisis Assistance Ministry focuses on preventing homelessness and preserving dignity for Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s working poor, providing assistance with rent, utilities, clothing and furniture.

This campaign has been brought together through various partnerships and our 9 Family Focus sponsors, which include Arby’s, Ashley HomeStore, the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Gastroenterology and Hepatology and E.R. Plumbing Services.

There are over 100 collection points across the Carolinas, including Arby’s, Ashley HomeStore, E.R. Plumbing Services and all Charlotte fire stations.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL DONATION LOCATIONS

Learn more about how your donation can impact the community at www.StevesCoatsForKids.com.

If you have an inspiring story, please contact Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV/WAXN-TV/Telemundo Charlotte public affairs manager, at Kevin.Campbell@wsoctv.com.

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