'Coats for Kids' gives coats to around 150 families before the winter season

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Around 150 families lined up at Meijer in South Bend for a shopping spree with the goal of keeping their kids warm for the winter.

Shopping carts were filled with winter coats, put on the checkout belt, and bagged up, with a reception of smiles on Sunday afternoon.

Now in their fourth year of hosting ‘Coats for Kids,’ The portage township trustee's office and trustee Jason Critchlow say the inspiration for the program has always stayed the same.

“The intention is that were getting families that need a little extra boost this winter that we get their kids set up with winter clothing because these cold months are coming, and if people don't realize that that's a big cost,” Critchlow said. “You know, families are going to go into their basement, they're going to start pulling out the winter coats, and they're going to realize that their kid has outgrown it by two or three sizes.”

One factor that pushed hosting the event was an emphasis on providing children with brand-new clothing that would last, rather than hand-me-downs.

“These aren’t kids that often get to go pick out their own stuff or pick out new stuff,” Critchlow said. “So it’s a really magical and fun day for all of us.”

With Sunday’s event drawing around 150 signups, the township is sure that year 5, along with similar events are soon to follow.

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