2009 Give A Kid A Coat Campaign Now Underway

The 2009 Give A Kid A Coat campaign kicked off this morning by collecting 1,075 coats during a live event with WGHP/Fox8 and 1075KZL at the A Cleaner World located at 2527 Eastchester Drive in High Point. The event was filled with visits by radio and television personalities, music from the Thomasville High School Marching Band, entertainment from the UNCG Cheerleaders, a pregnant pumpkin contest, and food provided by Ganache Bakery and Café, Hardee's, Dunkin Donuts, and Carter Brothers.

The Piedmont area Give A Kid A Coat campaign collected, cleaned, and distributed, through The Salvation Army, 26,177 coats in 2008 and has collected, cleaned, and distributed 614,288 coats since the campaign's inception in 1987. The 2009 campaign began today and will end on Saturday, November 28, 2009.

Residents wishing to participate in this year's campaign can bring their outgrown coats or coats no longer being worn to any A Cleaner World location. Coats will be cleaned, repaired, and given to The Salvation Army for distribution to needy children and adults. Distribution will begin in early November, and more details will be provided at that time.

1075KZL's Jack Murphy from the Murphy in the Morning Show urges everyone to check their closets. "Help us keep thousands of kids warm this winter with a simple donation of a gently used coat," said Murphy. "You'll feel warm inside all winter long knowing you helped keep a child warm outside."

This year Give A Kid A Coat has issued a challenge to area elementary schools. From October 23 to October 30 area elementary schools should encourage parents and students to check their closets for coats to donate to Give A Kid A Coat. Those wishing to participate must drop off coats at A Cleaner World, and the donor should indicate which school they want to receive credit. A Cleaner World will keep track of the points. One point will be credited per coat up to 10 points maximum per family. Points will be tallied on Monday, November 2, and winners will be announced on Tuesday, November 3. Prizes will be awarded as follows: first place $750, second place $500, and third place $250. All prizes will be made payable to the winning school's PTA.

Give A Kid A Coat is sponsored by A Cleaner World, WGHP/Fox8, 1075ZKL, and The Salvation Army. For additional information, please call Barbara Mitchell at 336-841-4188.