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 Sunday, the chapter will hold a special collection from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Delta Center at 5408 Beatties Ford Road. The women are encouraging community members to come by and donate a new or gently worn coat.
“Providing a warm coat to anyone that needs it, especially a child, shows understanding and compassion,” said Melody Harris, president of the local chapter.
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, 2021.
WSOC-TV’s Steve’s Coats for Kids campaign was introduced in 2005. 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.
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.
Here in Charlotte, Cintas Corporation has provided this incredible service to the community for free to help make life easier for some of the area’s children who are most in need.
Each coat is sorted, hung and inspected. For those coats that need extra attention, Cintas launders, replaces buttons, hems and otherwise does whatever it takes to get it looking almost new.
This campaign has been brought together through various partnerships and our 9 Family Focus sponsors which include Arby’s, Ashley HomeStore, 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.