Rotary collects jackets for Moses Lake kids

Coats needed in all sizes

MOSES LAKE - The Rotary Club of Moses Lake is collecting jackets to help keep children warm this winter.

Coats 4 Kids Project Chair Dave Campbell said Rotary typically collects 500 to 700 coats each year through the annual drive.

"With the high cost of fuel and food this year, our low-income families in this community are struggling to make ends meet, and being able to obtain a free coat will be a huge benefit for them," Campbell said.

The organization is collecting all sizes of heavy jackets, including adult sizes, Campbell said. Some of the children in middle school wear adult sizes, he noted.

Coats in children's sizes six through eight historically run out first, he said.

Families seem to reuse middle sizes rather than donate them, which could be the reason for the gap, Campbell said.

Coats must be donated by Oct. 11 so they can be cleaned in time for distribution, Campbell said. Cedar Street Cleaners is cleaning the coats at no charge, he noted.

Drop-off sites in Moses Lake include:

• American West Bank at 322 S. Division St.

• Cedar Street Cleaners at 319 S. Cedar St.

• Moses Lake Community Health Center at 605 Coolidge Dr.

• Samaritan Healthcare at 801 E. Wheeler Rd.

• Staples at 815 N. Stratford Rd.

• Sterling Savings Bank at 101 E. 4th St.

Campbell said Rotary Club of Moses Lake also accepts tax-deductible donations for the purchase of new coats. The address for donations is Rotary Club of Moses lake, P.O. Box 525, Moses Lake, WA, 98837.