BOISE, Idaho — There is nothing quite like the comfort of a winter coat, however, coats are expensive and some families in the Treasure Valley just cannot afford to buy them for their kids.
That is where The Salvation Army and the "7Cares Coat Drive" come in. Thanks to the community, thousands of coats have been donated over the years.
"We live in a very generous community we know that," said Major Tom Stambaugh with The Salvation Army.
At The Salvation Army headquarters on Emerald in Boise, people can find racks and piles of new warm winter coats.
"The coat drive has been going on for many years here in the Treasure Valley. We've teamed up with KTVB, CapEd Credit Union and Fred Meyer over the years to do this, and it's really the generosity of the Treasure Valley that makes this happen," Stambaugh said.
We put the call out on our newscasts here at KTVB, and for the past month, people have been donating new coats for kids to the coat drive.
Stambaugh said the need in our community is currently really high.
"So, the need nowadays, is that working families are struggling to make the ends meet. We've all seen the rising costs of everything rent, gas and everything, clothes and food. Coats are an easy thing because we all know how cold it can get in Boise, so to give a child a warm coat to get them through the holidays, what a blessing that is," he said
He added the best part is watching kids pick out that new coat. They have coats in all sizes and colors, ensuring every child goes away not only with a warm coat, but one they love.
"We could see up to 1600 children receiving coats and or gifts from the Salvation Army this holiday season." Stambaugh, said. "If we can help a family with a warm coat for their child, that's one less expense, they can use that money for other things, we're glad to provide it. So, if it's a warm coat or a box of food or Christmas toys, that's what the salvation army is here to do for the holidays."
He said this could not happen without the people and businesses in the Treasure Valley who donated coats this holiday season.
"I just want to say thank you all for your generosity, and thank you for caring for our families, our struggling working families right now," Stambaugh said. "We just appreciate the extra help that you can give someone else."
If you are in need of a coat for your child, a box of food, or holiday toys contact The Salvation Army.
Or the Boise Family Service Office and Food Pantry, 9492 W. Emerald St., Boise, ID 83704, open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. or call at 208-343-5420.
"We provide the most comprehensive range of social service programs of any organization in the Treasure Valley to help families and individuals seeking to rise above poverty and live self-sufficiently. The Salvation Army is committed to serving the whole person, body, mind and spirit, with integrity and respect, using creative solutions to positively transform lives without discrimination."
The Salvation Army, Fred Meyer, CapEd Credit Union and other companies contribute to KTVB'S "7CARES."
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