Each year for the past 26 or 27 years, Marilyn Burtrum has put out the word to drop off unwanted coats for the Charitable Union Coat Drive.  In that time, she estimates that she's collected well over 2000 coats for the needy citizens of Battle Creek.

She announced the two week drive on the WBCK Morning Show, and ended up with a record 197 coats!   Marilyn says a woman came by with three more, just after the October 12 deadline.   Last year's record was 186 coats.

"I even had a Grandmother who heard about the coat drive on WBCK, who took her two grand kids coat shopping," said Burtrum.  "She told them each to pick out a new coat for themselves, and a second one to donate to the coat drive."

If you have a coat to donate, take it directly to the Charitable Union on Calhoun Street.  They have a place around back where you can drop off your donations.   Executive Director Theresa Allen says they collect coats year 'round.   But they have a big event coming up next Monday through Wednesday, October 21-23 at W.K. Kellogg's Gymnasium.   She says recipients will need a voucher to receive kids coats. Vouchers are available to Charitable Union now. Hours to get vouchers are 9am to 4pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please see flyer attached below for more information. Adult coats will be available beginning November 4th in the Free Store.

Allen says they serve about 4000 people annually in their coat drive.

 

More From WBCKFM