Coats for Kids program collects 4,000+
coats for needy children

Sunday, December 13, 2009 December 14, 2009 08:53 am — Despite worries that the current recession would limit coat donations, Dun-Rite Cleaners collected a record more than 4,000 coats during it’s 19th annual ‘Coats For Kids’ campaign held throughout the month of November.

A local tradition for nearly two decades, the ‘Coats For Kids’ program is designed to meet the need for warm winter coats in Stanly and surrounding counties.

Partnering with local schools and other non-profit organizations including shelters, group homes, and advocacy centers, Dun-Rite collects, cleans, and distributes new and gently-used coats free of charge to those in our communities who do not have or cannot afford coats to protect them from the cold. Once local needs have been met, the remaining coats are then given to local and regional volunteer organizations that distribute these coats to victims of natural disasters and to residents of the poorest areas of the our state.

“We are extremely pleased with the response we received this year,” says Mark Dry, owner and president of Dun-Rite Cleaners. “We were concerned that current economic conditions would limit the number of coat donations at a time when need has increased exponentially. Instead, through the continued generosity of the residents of Stanly and surrounding counties, we collected more coats this year than ever before. We continue to be amazed by the incredible spirit of giving present in our communities and are truly grateful so many people share our passion for helping those in need.”

With this year’s donations included, Dun-Rite Cleaners has collected, cleaned, and distributed over 52,000 coats since the program’s inception. “When we first started ‘Coats For Kids’ in 1991, we never expected it to grow as much as it has and become what it is today. It is a great accomplishment to have provided a warm winter coat to over 52,000 people through our ‘Coats For Kids’ program, but this would not have been possible without the individuals, churches, philanthropic and service groups, and other organizations who have partnered with us in our efforts over the years. We would like to thank each and every person who donated a coat this year and helped us keep this great tradition alive. Your gifts and contributions are greatly appreciated and will continue to make remarkable differences in the lives of those less fortunate.”

Dun-Rite Cleaners, with locations in Albemarle and Locust, has been providing cleaning and restoration services to Stanly and surrounding counties since 1922.

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.

Coats for Kids program enters 19th year

By Jim Lisk, Editor

Sunday, November 1, 2009 November 02, 2009 08:38 am — Beginning Monday, Dun-Rite Cleaners will kick off its 19th Annual “Coats For Kids” campaign to meet the need for winter coats. This tradition of caring meets the needs of many in Stanly County while impacting others in both Montgomery and Cabarrus counties.

While most area residents are pulling their favorite jackets from closets or purchasing fashionable new coats just in time for winter, many in our communities do not have or cannot afford coats to protect them from the cold. Dun-Rite Cleaners, however, intends to change this. Through its month-long campaign, Dun-Rite Cleaners collects, cleans and distributes new and gently used coats free of charge to children and others of need throughout the area.

“Our goal is to ensure that no one in our area goes without a coat for the winter,” says Mark Dry, owner and operator of Dun-Rite Cleaners.

“We began this program almost two decades ago to meet the need for winter coats in our communities. Children and countless others outgrow or wear thin old coats every year, and many local residents do not have the resources to purchase the new ones they and their families need to stay warm.”

With over 48,000 coats collected, cleaned, and distributed over the last 18 years, Dry and the Dun-Rite family are geared up for another successful year of giving.

“In these challenging economic times and with increased levels of unemployment in our area, the need for warm winter coats this year is even more pressing. We are encouraging everyone in our community, including individuals, churches, philanthropic and service groups, and other organizations, to donate new and gently used coats,” Dry said.

“We are already seeing a need for coats, especially among children ages 12 and under.”

Dun-Rite works closely with local schools and other non-profit organizations, including shelters, group homes and advocacy centers, to provide coats to those most in need.

“This program, first and foremost, is designed to help children in our communities,” Dry said.

“We’ve received calls from teachers about students who have come to school in a T-shirt when it’s below freezing outside. We have a responsibility to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”

Once local needs are met, Dun-Rite determines where the remaining coats are most needed. In past years, Dun-Rite has delivered coats to volunteer organizations, which then have distributed coats to victims of natural disasters and to residents of the poorest areas of the state and country.

“‘Coats For Kids’ has been extremely successful through the years, but this program wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the continued generosity of the people of Stanly and surrounding counties,” Dry said.

“Dun-Rite is truly grateful for the strong spirit of giving in our communities that allows us to keep this great tradition alive. We are genuinely excited to be sponsoring the ‘Coats For Kids’ program for the 19th straight year.”

Dun-Rite Cleaners will be accepting new and gently used coat and jacket donations from Nov. 2 through Nov. 25 at its locations in Albemarle (1223 Pee Dee Avenue) and Locust (1808 West Main Plaza). All styles and sizes, infant through adult, are welcomed, though children’s coats are especially needed. Both locations are open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-12 noon on Saturday.

For more information, call (704) 982-3511, e-mail coatsforkids@dunritecleaners.com or visit www.dunritecleaners.com.

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.