Nearly 2,000 coats donated during ‘Coats for Kids’ drive
by: Shay Arthur
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In these cold temperatures, everyone needs a coat.
And so many Mid-Southerners have made that happen for thousands of children across our area.
This week, educators with schools have been picking up the coats viewers have generously donated several weeks ago during our Coats for Kids drive.
A room inside of the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South has been transformed into a festive coat closet this week.
Nearly 2,000 new and gently used coats for adults and children were donated at locations throughout the Mid-South in partnership with WREG.
“Our community is so great,” said YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South Chief Operating Officer Brian Mclaughlin. “We just all come together for something that’s simple but it means so much.”
WREG was there as educators from Memphis Shelby County Schools who have already pre-selected children from their school browsed.
“So, the counselor comes and does the shopping and they give it to the kids at their local school,” Mclaughlin said.
Cherim Williams is one of those counselors.
“These children, not only do they need our love but they need our financial support,” Williams said. “The weather is changing. You know Memphis weather is constantly changing and so with the weather, it’s up to us to step in and help these families who are struggling to even provide basic necessities for these children.”
“Can you imagine with the temperatures that we have out here not having a coat? And so by making sure that kids have coats, we can make sure that we reduce absenteeism, make sure that kids are getting to school and that kids can be kids,” Mclaughlin said. “They can go out and play and have a good time and be warm while they do it.”
While educators picked up coats and hats, they also picked up some positivity from YMCA staff.
“You can make a difference,” Williams said. “No matter how small, you can make a difference, even if it’s just a pair of gloves. It makes a huge difference.”
“When you give, you get back so much more,” Mclaughlin said.
Again, WREG thanks those who donated at area locations.
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