By Cecilia Nasmith
If one of the original organizers is correct, 2022 marks the 30th year of the fall Coats For Kids drive that takes donated coats, cleans them up and redistributes them free to families who need them.
Showing up at this year's launch, retired Salvation Army Community and Family Services Director Dave Alexander recalled that the first campaign was in 1993.
Former Baker Cleaners owner Rod Baker estimated that the campaign had distributed more than 14,000 coats around Northumberland County. It's a model that has since been adopted by other Salvation Army units.
It all began with two little girls, Baker recalled. He was driving past St. Michael Elementary School one chilly winter morning, watching the children playing in the yard – except for two little girls shivering in inadequate light fall jackets.
It troubled him enough to discuss it with Alexander and then-McDonalds manager Kim Harvey. The three men proved to be the pieces in a perfect puzzle that would make a difference to children over (so far) 30 years.
The need for outgrown donated coats in good condition would be publicized. And the coats that came in over the donation period would be dry-cleaned free by Baker, with each donation getting a reward – a coupon for an ice-cream treat from McDonald's. Then, the Salvation Army would set up the distribution of the coats to families in need.
Organizers have found that these rewards were often declined with thanks – and, in fact, were pretty well unnecessary in a community that is always happy to support a good cause for its own sake (especially one that helps children).
Harvey has moved on, Alexander has retired and Baker will retire by month's end – after 38 years in the business, he has sold the cleaners but is delighted to report that new owner Ibou Ndiaye will carry on participating in the program. And a number of partners have joined in over the years to ensure it all goes smoothly.
The donation period this year is Sept. 19 through 30, a time to donate good used winter clothing with no rips and all zipper working – jackets and snow pants – plus good winter boots. Place these items in clear plastic bags and leave them at any one of 10 locations.
1 – The Salvation Army Community Church, 59 Ballantine St., Cobourg, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2 – The Salvation Army Community and Family Services office, 66 Swayne St., Cobourg, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
3 - The Salvation Army Community and Family Services office, 100 Peter St., Port Hope, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
4 – Northumberland United Way, 62 Swayne St., Cobourg, Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5 – Community Health Centres of Northumberland, 99 Toronto Rd., Port Hope, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
6 – Canadian Tire, 1125 Elgin St. W., Cobourg, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
7 – Baker Cleaners, 12 Elgin St. E., Cobourg, Mondays to Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
8 – We Fix U, 727 William St., Cobourg weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9 – We Fix U, 125 Toronto Rd., Port Hope Mondays through Thursdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
10 – Community Care Northumberland, 1158 Division St., Cobourg
weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Distribution will take place out of two locations Oct. 3 through 28, an opportunity to get a good used coat for your child (and, because adult coats are also accepted, there may even be some that would fit a teenager).
Distribution hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at two Salvation Army Community and Family Services locations – 259A Division St., Cobourg, and 100 Peter St., Port Hope.
