I would like to send a huge thank you to everyone who donated to the Keystone Coats for Kids eighth annual coat drive. If it were not for the generosity of the community, this project would not have continued helping children in need.
In 2015 when I started this project I was not sure how many years I could continue this coat drive. It would all depend on how the community would respond. The community just keeps giving so I keep the coats coming. This year 441 coats and 128 pair of tennis shoes were distributed.
The coats and shoes are purchased thru OperationWarm.org. With the help from Thrivent Financial there was 49 pair of boots distributed this year. Grace Connections also donated caps and scarves. To date 3,619 coats and 284 pair of tennis shoes have been distributed.
This past year I have worked with all of the schools, Head Start programs and Per K Counts in Clarion County, Keystone SMILES and Community Action.
I received a grant at the end of December from the McElhattan Impact Fund, which is administered by the Bridge Builders Community Foundation. This money will be put toward coats and boots for this year. I would like to add mittens also this year.
Donations can be sent anytime throughout the year to Farmers National Bank, PO Box 665 Knox, PA 16232, payable to Keystone Coats for Kids.
Donations would be appreciated by the end of September this year.
Looking forward to another great year!
God Bless,
Glenda Raybuck