EMMIE BOESE
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Ineeda Cleaners began their 36th annual Coats for Kids Drive on Sunday, Oct. 1.
Coats for Kids was started by former Ineeda Cleaners owner John Neal. Rachel and Chris Nelson have owned Ineeda Cleaners for the past 18 years.
The main purpose of the drive is to collect warm coats for kids during the winter months. They also accept adult coats, sweaters, blankets, hats, gloves and scarves.
"One of the things that kind of sets us apart is we try to do our drive in October so that by that first of week of November people have their items and we feel like we kind of beat the really cold times in Kansas to try to get coats to kids and blankets to families and that sort of thing," said Rachel Nelson.
The drive benefits all ages, but Nelson said its important for the Hutchinson community to know that each kid has the opportunity to have a warm coat.
"Our goal genuinely is we want coats for kids because they are the ones that need it the most for recess, school transportation," Nelson said. "Parents and adults they can jump in a car and go buy a coat or maybe they aren't outside very much but, you know when you think about kids, either walking to school or having to be outside for school or you know, even teachers. Teachers have a hard time sending kids outside that don't have a coat."
After the drive is over, Ineeda Cleaners washes or drycleans each item and then delivers everything to the Salvation Army in Hutchinson for distribution.
"I would say last year we had close to 1500 items that we were able to donate and so we are hoping to do that at least or more this year," Nelson said.
In past years, the coat distribution has taken place during the first week of November.
Inneda Cleaners is located at 1224 N. Main St. in Hutchinson. More information about the business is available at ineedacleaners.com
CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.