Over 1,000 local children were gifted winter coats over the weekend as part of the Springfield Salvation Army’s back to school program.
The local branch of the group was able to provide much needed winter clothing, says Mandy Long, development director for the agency.
“When they signed up for that assistance, they also gave us their coat size, and then we order coats based on the sizes that we were given”
The cost of the coats totaled roughly $30,000, made possible from strong community support.
“That takes quite a number of people donating in order to make that happen, so it was really a community effort in the fact that we were able to provide those coats this year,” says Long about the event.
Coats are still accessible for children that didn’t participate in the program and are in need of one. To check availability, call the local office Wednesday, October 14th, at 417-862-5509. There are a limited number, so families are encouraged to call before they come to the Springfield location.
And as those winter coats are put to use later this year, the Salvation Army will again be offering its emergency weather warming center. This facility opens when the temperatures reach 14 degrees or cooler for those that don’t have a place to stay.
For more information, visit the Salvation Army website here.
