Thanks to the annual Coats for Kids drive, many kids and adults are getting a coat to help keep them warm this winter.
The drive, which started this year Nov. 18 and goes through Dec. 11, has been a great success in Gainesville and the surrounding communities the past few years.
Coats are donated and collected by churches, businesses, individuals and brought to the Dry Clean Super Center. From there they are cleaned and sorted and then sent off with someone who needs the coat.
David Hampton, who is spear-heading the third annual drive, is a crusader of sorts.
He sees it as his personal mission to get the surrounding communities involved in giving to others during the holiday season by bringing in a coat for someone of any age.
Toddlers, teenagers, babies and every age of adults all need coats, and some can not afford to go buy one right now.
“Its a total community project,” Hampton said, “all the churches, all the schools are involved.”
“I ask the churches, the ministers and pastors,” Hampton said, “I talk to them.”
We ask them to make an announcement to their congregation and to have a box available so people can donate the coats.
“Everyone has a coat in their closet that they don’t wear or they have outgrown,” Hampton said. “Some people can’t afford a coat or can’t get a coat. I like to keep everybody warm, so it’s something I can do to help the community that supports me.”
Hampton said because he lives here and makes his business here, “I would just as soon help the community in every opportunity I can.”
Last year the community, including the churches, retailers, banks, Chamber of Commerce, Winstar, hospital, Home Depot and college gathered and distributed 2,300 coats. The Rotary, Optimist and Kiwanis Clubs also participate.
He said that for him the project started in 1988 when he was in the Rowlett Rotary Club and the church approached him to clean some coats that had been donated. He made it a Rotary project and involved the whole community and they gathered, cleaned and distributed 4,000 coats.
Coats for Kids needs help to gather, collect, clean and then distribute the many coats for people that need them.
Hampton said if anyone wants to help in any way or need more information e-mail him at smoothsales@tx.rr.com or call him at (940) 665-0048.
Local News
Local dry cleaner collects coats for those in need
- Local News
-
-
Morton Museum hosts Art on Tap Saturday
The Morton Museum of Cooke County is hosting “Art on Tap,” a beer- and-food pairing event featuring the art of Cooke County and portraits from the past from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday inside the Santa Fe Depot in downtown Gainesville.
-
Property, mineral values a mixed bag
A reported boost in statewide property values, which had suffered a slight drop in 2010, suggests ongoing recession recovery
-
Old School Comes Down
Sections of the deserted Gainesville Junior High School building came down Wednesday, with developers planning to demolish the old school and develop a new Cooke County Boys & Girls Club facility for youth in the region.
-
City Council moves rezoning request ahead
The Gainesville City Council voted to schedule a third reading for a rezoning request made by a property owner in the 3000 block of Harris Street.
-
Workers move ahead on interchange upgrade
Work continues on Interstate 35 frontage roads near West California Street, and officials said a closing of the nearby Star Street Bridge was expected to conclude late Tuesday.
-
Energetic fox trio settle in at zoo
A group of juvenile red foxes are in their new habitat and have apparently taken to their surroundings at the Frank Buck Zoo in Leonard Park.
-
Land owner fights Oncor to save centuries-old tree
A beloved Bois D’ Arc tree, estimated to be around 150 years old, has become the object of dispute between one Cooke County land owner and Oncor Corp., a regional electrical delivery company.
-
As deadline approaches, election day unclear
As the Texas primary election approaches, a muddle continues locally and statewide as to exactly when election day arrives.
-
Gainesville native fights for justice
IDABEL, Okla. — An Idabel, Okla. police officer — reeling from the death of his friend and fellow officer — is trying to beef up his state’s negligent homicide laws.
-
Gainesville woman hit by car
THACKERVILLE, OKLA. — A road collision early Sunday morning near Thackerville injured one female pedestrian, a Gainesville resident whose identification has not been released by officials.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
