Koats For Kids Marks 7th Year

Terry John, owner of Mid Atlantic Tire, (left) thanks Buck Duncan for donating to the Koats for Kids drive.

The 7^th annual Koats for Kids drive is underway at Mid Atlantic Tire in Easton. Sponsored by Mid Atlantic Tire’s owner Terry John, this annual event honors the memory of his late wife Arlene John.

“Arlene was a great mother, a great wife and she really loved children,” says John. “Any time there was a fundraiser for children where you had to buy something to support it, the house was filled with it.”

John continues Arlene’s dedication to children’s causes through Koats for Kids. Every year individuals and groups from around the Easton area show up at Mid Atlantic Tire with hundreds of new and gently worn children’s coats.

“Last year vans pulled up with boxes of coats that had been purchased by donations from local church groups and other civic organizations,” John says. “Every year I am amazed by the generosity of the people who support this cause.”

Several area businesses join Mid Atlantic Tire to support Koats for Kids. Admiral Cleaners cleans all of the donated coats. The coats are then distributed to local organizations that are in touch with kids in need. “The Neighborhood Service Center is one of primary partners,” explains Terry. “Other organizations that find homes for the coats include the Easton Fire Department and Operation Christmas.”

WCEI and WINX help promote Koats for Kids through radio publicity. Crackerjacks Toys and Books donates gift certificates that are given to the first 200 coat donors. Pixel Print and Post donated printing services for the posters that Kohl’s employees distributed all around town.

The 2013 Koats for Kids drive runs until December 14. Drop off coats for children of all ages and sizes at Mid Atlantic Tire, 8105A Teal Drive in Easton. 

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