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Ronald McDonald House group launches Give-A-Coat Campaign
YOUNGSTOWN
Hundreds of young children from area low-income families will have warm, new coats this winter because of the Give-A-Coat Campaign.
Give-A-Coat is a new project of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mahoning Valley & Western Pennsylvania, which donated $20,000 to purchase coats for children from toddler age through 12 years old.
It is the “brainchild” of Herb Washington, RMHC president. Washington and other McDonald’s restaurant owner/operators decided to “put coats on the backs of those kids,” said Kevin Jones, charity spokesman.
Distribution of the coats Dec. 29 will be coordinated by the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley Distribution/Volunteer Center, 2246 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown; Warren Family Mission, 361 Elm Road NE, Warren; and Way Station, 909 Heck Road, Columbiana.
The agencies will identify coat recipients who will receive vouchers for the coats and be notified where their children can be fitted for and receive the coats, said Lynn Wyant, development manager for Rescue Mission.
“We feel blessed that Ronald McDonald House Charities has the confidence and trust in us to identify the right kids. We’re thankful the Rescue Mission is a part of the project,” Wyant said.
Though the children who get coats through the RMHC Give-A-Coat Campaign will be identified by agencies, the Rescue Mission has new and gently used coats available for all ages, Wyant said.
Rescue Mission distribution dates for December are over, but beginning Jan. 4, the Rescue Mission again will distribute household items and clothing.
People with last names beginning with the letters A to L can come Tuesdays and those with last names beginning with letters M to Z on Thursdays, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. both days.
There are no income guidelines. All that is required is a photo identification, and children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, she added.