Giving spirit was alive and well at Channel 9′s Coats for Kids

CHARLOTTE — The giving spirit was alive and well at Channel 9′s Coats for Kids drive on a bitterly cold Wednesday.

Big-hearted donors stopped by the Walmart at the Arboretum shopping center in south Charlotte to spread cheer and warmth.

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At one point, dozens of cars were lined up to drop off coats.

Giving spirit was alive and well for Channel 9′s Coats for Kids

Some dropped off a few. Some brought a lot like the Charlotte chapter of the West Virginia State University Alumni Association.

Charlotte Fire showed up with hundreds of coats that people dropped off at their firehouses.

The department has been with Channel 9′s coat drive for many years.

“Even if you help one child, just think about how beneficial it is to that one child and that one family that may be in need,” said CFD Chief Reggie Johnson. “Anything you can give is appreciated.”

Channel 9′s former chief meteorologist Steve Udelson launched the coat drive and even in retirement, he wouldn’t have missed Wednesday’s drive. Udelson led the charge for 20 years.

“It’s awesome to see that it continues,” Udelson said. “Obviously, it’s great to have a legacy. It’s fun to be on TV, but this is where my heart was for the last 20 years and it’s great to see it’s still alive.”

Carolina Panthers legend Steve Smith Sr. brought dozens of coats and said this is a cause that’s dear to his heart.

“I was a (Salvation Army) Angel Tree kid,” said Smith, with the Steve Smith Foundation.