Skip to content Skip to navigation

Hundreds of coats donated for 28/22's Coats for Kids Campaign

(WBRE/WYOU) — It was another successful 28/22 Coats For Kids Campaign is in the books. Your generosity helped nearly 800 children in Northeastern Pennsylvania stay warm this winter. It's an effort that will make a big difference for people in need in our community.

One by one, coats piled up in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Stroudsburg. Some gently used, many right off the rack.

All donations for our Fourth Annual Coats for Kids Campaign to benefit local children in need this winter.

"Any little donation helps. It doesn't matter if it is a hat, a coat, a blanket, a dollar, anything helps for those who need it," Wilkes-Barre resident Kim Smith told 28/22 News.

Some even put a little extra love in their contributions. Saint Therese's Prayer Shawl Ministry in Shavertown dropped off 52 hand-knit scarves and hats, and eight pairs of socks.

"There is a lot of need in our area, a lot of hidden need, I think sometimes, and people are proud and they have to know there are people out there caring for them, like organizations such as yourself, and that they can get the help they need," Karen Dussinger from Dallas said.

Wayne County school wins state, national recognition

It's an effort that our partner, the Salvation Army, greatly appreciates as they continue to serve more and more people in need each year.

"Organizations like Dress for Success and even our residents here from Luzerne County have been absolutely amazing and pouring out their donations and their love to these kids," Salvation Army Captain Ismael Ortiz stated.

During our more than 12 hours of live coverage across broadcast television, the 2822 Now App, and social media, donors made a real difference.

788 coats and 191 cold-weather accessories were collected so far, in addition to monetary donations.

That's a number that means the world to parents, knowing their child will be warm this winter.

"I know from experience as a mom, that if my children aren't prepared and have what they need, I feel like less of a mom, so this is a family-building, self-esteem-building, for our women," Linda Loop with Dress for Success Luzerne County

The Salvation Army in each of our three locations collected the donations on Wednesday. They will clean the gently used coats and distribute them to the vetted families in need for free. Just in time for the colder weather.