Coats 4 Kids aims to end winter's chill

SANDPOINT — It can be hard enough to get through winter when you're warm and toasty under a comfy coat, hat, and gloves.

Imagine trying to get through the cold and the snow if you don't have any of those.

"Many in our community are having or have had difficult times, and with a simple task of sharing, we can try to meet the needs of individual warmth for each person in need of a coat," Karen Battenschlag, local Coats 4 Kids organizer, said in kicking off the local drive. "Our winters are cold here in North Idaho. It is an important necessity for all."

The collection of winter items by Coats 4 Kids is underway, and gently used and clean winter items as well as new items are being accepted. The program also accepts cash and check donations, which are used to purchase new coats.

Donations are being accepted throughout October. Coats and other winter gear will be distributed in November with the help of the Bonner Community Food Bank.

Battenschlag said the campaign is not only for kids; donations can help the smallest of babies, adults, and entire families in need. Therefore, Coats 4 Kids accepts not only coats but also winter hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, snow pants, and snow boots of all sizes, infant through adult.

"Our community has been supporting Coats 4 Kids for many, many years, and the generosity is greatly appreciated," she said. "I can feel the love for this charity."

Battenschlag began working at Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty after working at the Lake Pend Oreille School District. She has been a part of the local Coats 4 Kids program since 2014, volunteering on behalf of the real estate firm. As a Coats 4 Kids volunteer, she has helped collect, clean, and distribute more than 1,000 coats annually in Bonner County. During her time with the organization, Coats 4 Kids has distributed over 5,000 coats and numerous winter hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens in the community.

"The Tomlinson Group has been a supporter of Coats 4 Kids for well over 35 years in the Northwest," she said. "We want to continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need a little help."

This year, the Selkirk Realtors Association, STCU, and Papa Murphy's Pizza have joined Tomlinson Sotheby’s and Safeway as local sponsors for Coats 4 Kids.

Those in need of winter coats do not need to give anything to get the items, Battenschlag said. All coats stay in the community and are given to those in need at no charge. All of the money donated goes to purchase a coat for an infant or youth up to the age of 18 years old.

"A children's coat has an average cost of $30," Battenschlag said. "So whether your donations are small or large, every dollar counts."

Adult coats are also being accepted, as are winter hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, snow pants, and snow boots.

"Everyone needs warmth," Battenschlag said.

The goal is to collect as many coats as possible through October, with a target of 800 coats, she said.

"Our goal is only met by the generosity and kindness of the businesses and members of our community donating their cash and coats," Battenschlag added.

The program will again be partnering with the Bonner Community Food Bank, both in Sandpoint and Priest River, to distribute the coats through November. Battenschlag encouraged those who are able to donate to the food bank to help those who are hungry.

"Help us fight hunger and share the warmth," she added.

The local Coats 4 Kids organization was started 34 years ago by KXLY News 4 and Tomlinson Sotheby’s. It has been successful every year through donations of new and gently used coats as well as monetary donations to purchase items. Along with the help of many community members and sponsors, Coats 4 Kids has given 300,000 coats to those who need them in the region.

Donations can be dropped off at Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty, 200 Main St. and 503 Cedar St., Sandpoint, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Donations can also be dropped off at Safeway, 702 N. Fifth Ave., 5 a.m.-1 a.m., daily; Selkirk Association of Realtors, 325 Marion Ave., 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday; STCU, 477123 U.S. 95, Ponderay, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday; and Papa Murphy's Pizza, 1010 Fontaine Drive, Ponderay, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., daily.

If you would like to donate to Coats 4 Kids with a cash contribution, you can write your check to the KXLY Community Partners Foundation and mail or drop off the check at Tomlinson Sotheby's, 503 Cedar St., Sandpoint. The foundation is a 501(c)3 corporation, and donations are tax-deductible.

Information: Karen Battenschlag, 208-610-4299.