East Central neighborhood prepares for Coats 4 Kids distribution | Community Spirit

(Updated 4:26 p.m.) - A variety of coats fill the East Central Community Center. Vests, sleepers, snow pants, parks are just some of the donated coats for the annual fundraiser Coats 4 Kids. Volunteers have sorted the donated coats out by size and they’re now just waiting for a new owner.

“We’ve had more coats than ever had before,” explained interim director, Kathy Armstrong. She continued, “There are even more sizes. We should be able help more people than we’ve ever had.”

Over 16,000 coats have been donated since the start of donations in September. Community centers in Spokane plan on opening their doors for coat distribution Monday morning.

“It’s one of the best years ever,” described Jim Evans, head custodian, who has been helping with the fundraiser since the start. When they first started the coat drive, he remembers the slim selection. A huge portion of donations were just blue jean coats.

Armstrong explained that East Central is a neighborhood of need. One out of three are on food stamps, 75% of children are on a free and reduced lunch and more than 50% are at the poverty level. She’s concerned about the upcoming weather that she hears will be colder than the last.

“There have been a lot of school aged kids running around without a jacket that I don’t think have one at home. I can’t wait for them to come in and get jackets,” she said, “...parents come with their kids and leave with a big smile and tears in their eyes.”

They even have a huge selection of coats for men. With the variety of coats, children and adults in need will have more to choose from.

“It’s fun for them to pick out something and have so much to choose from. It’s more than a hand-me-down that will just keep them warm. It’s something they will enjoy wearing and be proud to wear when they go to school,” Armstrong added.

Spokane distribution sites include East Central, Northeast and West Central Community Center starting Monday morning. Spokane Valley Partners will also be handing out coats. For a full list of regional distribution sites and times, visit KXLY’s page for Coats 4 Kids.