By Kayla Nakeeb
As the cold begins to set in, people will start reaching for their coats more often. However, for the 4,731 children in Hamilton County that live in poverty, they might come up empty handed.
The Hamilton County annual Kids Coat Drive giveaway will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Range Line Road.
Hamilton County Kids Coats was founded as a partnership between Carmel United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army and The Good Samaritan Network in 2004 to provide coats to Hamilton County families in need. The first year, they gave away 400 coats. The program has grown every year since to help fight the winter chill, providing families with coats, gloves, hats and scarves.
In the years since its formation, Hamilton County Kids Coats has expanded to 17 churches across the county. Last year the organization gave away 3,251 coats and served 679 families.
Carmel Clay Schools, churches, libraries and businesses collected more than 6,000 coats last year, all of which went to families in need.
Those that cannot make the giveaway date can check the website to set up an appointment to pick up coats or visit one of the five other giveaways in Hamilton County.
Families and groups interested in volunteering can sign up at kidscoats.org/volunteer/ to help with setup on Nov. 6. A schedule of events is posted at kidscoats.org/calendar-of-events/.
HOW TO HELP
Hamilton County Kids Coats is looking for volunteers the following days and places:
- Nov. 7 – Carmel United Methodist Church, 621 S. Range Line Road, Carmel
- Nov. 7 – Green Valley Church of Christ, 19005 Cumberland Road, Noblesville
- Nov. 14 – Arcadia Brethren Church, 8989 E. 266th St., Arcadia
- Nov. 14 – Crosspoint Church, 13678 Silverstone Drive, Fishers
- Nov. 14 – Sheridan Community Center, 300 E. 6th St., Sheridan
Donation bins are available at the locations listed above, except for the Sheridan Community Center. For more information, call 324-8818.
