MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A warm coat can help a child get through a chilly walk to school. For Rachel and Chris Nelson, making sure that coat is clean, inviting and something the child wants to wear is also part of the gift.
Ineeda Cleaners launched its 38th annual Coats for Kids campaign, collecting winter clothing throughout October for distribution through the Salvation Army.
Rachel Nelson, who owns Ineeda Cleaners with her husband, Chris, said the campaign brings together the generosity of donors, the work of the cleaners’ staff and a distribution process designed to treat families with dignity.
“It’s been really something that we’re proud of and thankful that we have the opportunity to help our community in a special way,” Nelson said during an interview on the BW Morning Show.
The campaign grew from the longtime friendship of former Ineeda owner John Neal and Dan Deming, who spent many years with KWBW. They combined the resources of the cleaning business and radio station to collect and prepare coats for children.
Chris and Rachel Nelson have owned the business for 21 years. Their children and school volunteers have helped carry on the tradition.
Last year, the drive collected about 1,800 items. Nelson said annual donations typically range from 1,600 to 2,200, including coats, sweaters, blankets, hats and gloves.
Although the name emphasizes children, the campaign also accepts adult coats and warm sweaters. Hoodies and jackets are especially useful for older children and teenagers.
Nelson said donors should remember students who walk to and from school but may be reluctant to wear a bulky coat. A hoodie, sports-themed jacket or other warm clothing they feel comfortable wearing can help meet that need.
“We want kids to be prepared and have their parents be able to access a nice coat for all of their kids,” she said.
Community support comes in many forms. Churches and youth groups organize collections. Some couples shop garage sales throughout the year, then bring in bags of coats. Others arrive with a single item their family no longer needs.
Nelson said watching those individual donors walk through the door is one of the most meaningful parts of the campaign.
“Hutchinson just has an outpouring of generosity,” she said.
After donations arrive at the Main Street store, they are taken to Ineeda’s production facility on 11th Street. Employees sort the clothing and determine which pieces need laundering or dry cleaning.
The staff often cleans donated items after completing the day’s regular production, then hangs them on racks for delivery to the Salvation Army. Ineeda provides the cleaning free of charge.
The Salvation Army organizes the clothing in its gymnasium to create a shopping experience for families.
“They do a great job setting up their gymnasium to make it a true shopping experience,” Nelson said. “They have it organized, sorted.”
That care, she said, helps families feel they are receiving something nice rather than simply taking someone else’s leftovers.
Donations may be dropped off at Ineeda Cleaners, 1224 N. Main St., from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
Collection continues through Saturday, Oct. 31, with final donations accepted from 9 a.m. to noon that day. Salvation Army distribution dates and times will be announced later.