KALISPELL – Coats for Kids Inc. in Kalispell is supplying warm outerwear for kids and teens who can’t afford to stay warm during the winter months.
Coats, boots and socks are donated or bought with donations provided to the organization.
Coats for Kids Director Tiffany Suhr says that in 2018 they helped supply warm jackets, boots and socks for over 600 children in Kalispell.
This year she wants to try and beat that number with supplying over 1,000 coats for cold kids.
Families in need fill out an application providing information on their financial background and what supplies they need.
Suhr has a special connection to this cause as before she was the director, her parents ran the organization and for 18 years, Suhr worked alongside her parents to help keep hundreds of kids warm.
Without warm clothing Suhr tells us kids are going to school sick and missing classes.
“They’re going to school sick; when you go outside without the proper gear you’re going to get sick. Kids are getting sick they’re missing more school, by providing this service that we provide it keeps them warm and hopefully not so sick,” Suhr said.
Suhr told MTN News that this year the organization is trying something new and is hoping to partner with local schools.
They’re asking schools to compile a list of those children that need warm outerwear and communicate this list to Coats for Kids. The organization will work directly with those schools to fulfill those needs.
Anyone interested in helping out can send donations to Coats for Kids, Inc., P.O. Box 427, Kalispell, MT 59903. The organization is located at 8 firest Street East, Suite #205 in Kalispell.