Tomorrow at the Reclamere (old IGA building) parking lot, the Kiwanis Club of Tyrone will be collecting coats from 9 a.m. to noon. It is the 12th annual “Coat Drive” benefiting the Tyrone Salvation Army.
The Tyrone Salvation Army serves all residents in need from Bellwood to Warriors Mark and every place in-between.
Salvation Army Volunteer Chairperson Bob Maser said that all people have to do to donate coats is drive into the parking lot, and a Kiwanis member will be there to take the coats.
“It’s so nice and easy. All you have to do is drive in, open your trunk or back door, someone will grab your coats and you’re on your way,” added Maser.
Maser stated that the coat drive is seeking winter coats, and right now they really need kids’ coats, which are always important as the cold weather sets in the area.
“This coat drive is important and we really hope people come out on the 24th and donate their coats they may no longer use,” said Maser. “I can remember one year we gave out 700 coats. We give away better than 300 coats every year from December to about February.”
Maser said that the Kiwanis Club has the biggest part in making the coat drive possible, and that Chuck Banas, Kiwanis member and owner of Healthy Alternatives, plays a huge role in the drive because he donates the use of one of his company trucks to store and haul the donated winter clothing.
Banas stated, “Our company, (Healthy Alternatives), is very happy to do this, and we try to be pro-community as much as we can. Donating one of our trucks for several hours to assist with the coat drive is important to us, and we’re more than happy to work with the Salvation Army.”
“Kiwanis is always willing to help the Salvation Army and the community in providing people, especially young children, coats and boots to help them get through the winter. It’s a great thing to be a part of,” added Banas.
If people can’t make the designated date for the Coat Drive on November 24, coats can be dropped off at the Salvation Army building in Tyrone at 908 Pennsylvania Avenue, Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Also, the Salvation Army of Tyrone reminds those who signed up for Christmas Baskets that they will be given out December 20 and 21 at Faces & Places Ministries, 954 Logan Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
