Delta Sigma Theta continues tradition of giving back with huge coat donation

For the past five years, the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated has collected hundreds of coats for the Steve’s Coats for Kids campaign to help keep area children warm in the winter.

On Saturday, the chapter held a special collection at the Delta Center at 5408 Beatties Ford Road.

“Providing a warm coat to anyone that needs it, especially a child, shows understanding and compassion,” said Melody Harris, president of the local chapter.

Cars lined up, and community members donated nearly 200 coats.

Following the collection, the women of the chapter went to Charlotte Fire Station No. 18 off Beatties Ford Road, and with the help of the firefighters on duty, unloaded all of the coats.

delta sigma theta steve's coats for kids

All 43 Charlotte fire stations are collection sites for Steve’s Coats for Kids. Last year, the community donated thousands of coats at Charlotte Fire Department stations.

“The fire department provides all hazard service to the community, but we’re engaged in more than just that,” said Charlotte Fire Department Chief Reginald Johnson. “We’d like to fill gaps where gaps are identified and providing coats to children. It’s just one of those gaps that we want to participate in.

“Even one coat could make a difference in a child’s life. Whether they’re standing waiting for the bus or walking to school, it provides a basic need,” Johnson said. “It provides a little bit of self-confidence and improves self-esteem.”

Harris hopes this event will inspire others to continue the deed of giving back to their community.

“The community can make a positive impact by opening their eyes and ears to understand the needs of others and practicing daily kindness,” said Harris.

The Steve’s Coats for Kids campaign runs from now until Dec. 31, 2020.

WSOC-TV’s Steve’s Coats for Kids campaign was introduced in 2005. All donations are distributed through the Crisis Assistance Ministry, an independent nonprofit agency focused on preventing homelessness and preserving dignity for Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s working poor.

Steve’s Coats for Kids has collected over 200,000 coats, and each one spends less than 48 hours in the Crisis Assistance Ministry Free Store before benefiting someone in need.

There are more than 70 Steve’s Coats for Kids donation locations across the Carolinas; including Showmars, Ashley HomeStore, E.R. Plumbing Services, Crisis Assistance Ministry and all Charlotte fire stations.