PORTLAND-BANGOR, ME – In just over one month, more than 14,000 coats, 3,860 toys, and $16,111 were donated to The Salvation Army during NEWS CENTER Maine’s 41st year of Coats and Toys for Kids campaign. The campaign started in mid-November collecting gently used coats and new toys at Hannaford and Shaw’s stores. NEWS CENTER Maine also offered donors the option to purchase a new coat or toy from The Coats and Toys for Kids Wish List and have it delivered directly to the Salvation Army.

All items were distributed statewide to help Mainers stay warm this winter season. Money from the donations was given to nine Salvation Army locations to purchase more coats and toys to help their communities. Toys were distributed throughout Maine to families in need during the holiday season. Coats, blankets, hats, gloves, and snowsuits have been and will continue to be distributed throughout the winter months.

NEWS CENTER Maine was able to hold its one-day, live kick–off event, Coats and Toys for Kids Day on December 2, 2023, sponsored by Maine Savings Bank. Mainers once again stepped up and donated coats and toys to help fellow Mainers. NEWS CENTER Maine crews were live at Pratt Abbott in Portland, Hannaford in Augusta and Sanford, and Shaw’s in Auburn and Bangor.

“We’ve all been children,” Salvation Army’s Ted Tressler stated. “We know what Christmas morning feels like. For those who have – it’s a wonderful time. For those who have not – not so much.”

NEWS CENTER Maine not only thanks the viewers who made donations or purchases for the campaign, but also appreciates Pratt Abbott Cleaners for cleaning all the gently used coats, PepsiCo for distributing the coats and toys boxes, and Hannaford and Shaw’s for hosting the collection boxes in its stores.

Coats for Kids was originally designed 41 years ago by The Salvation Army. NEWS CENTER Maine became a partner seven years later helping to collect coats for Maine families who cannot afford a warm winter coat.

In November of each year, donation boxes are placed in the NEWS RELEASE Hannaford Supermarkets and Shaw’s stores across the state. In 2004, NEWS CENTER Maine also saw the need for toys during the holiday season and expanded the program to Coats and Toys for Kids.

All the coats are cleaned and stored by Pratt-Abbott Cleaners and the Salvation Army distributes the coats and toys. PepsiCo has assisted this great effort by donating and delivering the boxes to Hannaford Supermarkets and Shaw’s stores.

By estimation, NEWS CENTER Maine has collected more than 869,000 coats – all of which have helped to keep Maine children warm. Since 2004, they have collected 85,910 toys to distribute to those in need during the holiday season.

Brian Yocono and David Guildford help to fill a Salvation Army van with coats and toys from The Coats and Toys Wish List

Chris Costa and Anne Baldridge help fill a truck with items from the Coats and Toys for Kids Wish List

NCM morning report team with a viewer in Sanford on Coats and Toys for Kids Day

NCM talent and employees helping to collect coats and toys in Auburn on Coats and Toys for Kids Day