Koats for Kids campaign in need of winter clothing donations

London’s Boys and Girls Club launches Koats for Kids, asking residents to donate warm winter clothing for children in need. CTV’s Nick Paparella reports.

Donations are slowly trickling in at the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of London on Horton Street but organizers say a lot more is needed to keep up with the growing demand for this coming winter.

“If people can look in their closets and find any clothing that your kids outgrew, it can help another child during the winter.” said Nafis Ahmed with BGC London.

For more than 35 years the Koats for Kids campaign has helped thousands in our community stay warm during the coldest months of the year.

“We are looking for clothing of any sizes but particularly for small children, boots, hats, mitts and coats,” said Ahmed. “The economy is bad for a lot of people with things being expensive especially for newcomers to Canada and people who can’t afford coats.”

This year the campaign has joined forces with other organizations so they can assist more children.

“We have joined with Western Fair District, Kiwanis Clubs of London and the London Muslim Mosque so we can reach more families in need,” said Ahmed.

There are 20 drop-off locations across the city. The deadline to donate is Nov. 1. For more information visit the BGC London website.

Also if you know a family in need, the clothing will be distributed at the Boys and Girls Club on Horton Street on Saturday, Nov. 7 and then on Saturday, Nov. 14 at the London Muslim Mosque on Oxford Street West.