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| SPRINGFIELD The initiative to keep local children warm this winter is underway. The annual Salvation Army "Coats for Kids" campaign begins this month. Presenting sponsors Berkshire Bank, Belmont Laundry and Mass Mutual, as well as many other area businesses, are working to get thousands of winter coats donated this year. Many other local companies have also teamed up in a fervent mission to help kids stay warm this upcoming winter season. The campaign will include various promotional events which will take place at some local area businesses and venues. The initiative asks members of the community to donate new or gently used winter coats that have been outgrown or simply not worn. Belmont Laundry, with several other locations throughout Greater Springfield, has pledged to clean every donated coat before it is distributed to children in need. "We truly appreciate all of the donations we received last year and we are hopeful that local businesses and people from area communities will band together again this year for this important cause. The Salvation Army believes that helping local children stay warm this winter is a priority and we know that area residents feel the same way. We are very grateful for all of the people who donate or participate in order to help us realize our goals," said Major Tom Perks of the Greater Springfield Salvation Army. The spirit of helping our communities' children is alive and well in the championing of this initiative by so many participating sponsors, many of which will serve as drop-spot locations for people to be able to conveniently drop off coats at. Monetary donations will also be accepted in lieu of coats, as a Salvation Army kettle will also be on hand at the event. "Drop-spot" locations, including participating Berkshire Bank branches MassMutual and Belmont Laundry, will be announced soon and will be posted at www.947wmas.com/. For more information on Salvation Army "Coats for Kids," please call Alison Podworski or Michelle Abdow at 787-1133. |