Community

About Steve’s Coats for Kids

WSOC-TV's Steve’s Coats for Kids campaign is a part of the Channel 9 Family Focus brand and was introduced in 2005. The Steve’s Coats for Kids campaign runs from now until January 19, 2019.  This campaign has been a labor of love brought together through various partnerships. All coat donations are distributed through Crisis Assistance Ministry serving the Charlotte area since 1975. An independent non-profit agency, Crisis Assistance Ministry focuses on preventing homelessness and preserving dignity for Charlotte-Mecklenburg's working poor -- providing assistance with rent, utilities, clothing and furniture.
Steve’s Coats for Kids has collected over 150,000 coats, and every coat donation spends less than 48 hours in the Crisis Assistance Ministry Free Store before benefiting someone in need. 
How can I help?
Channel 9 Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist Steve Udelson is asking viewers to donate new or gently used children’s coats of all sizes for needy children in the Charlotte area.
The need has never been greater. I urge you to go through your closets and consider donating any of your 'gently used' coats. If you are shopping for the holidays and can afford to pick up a new coat to donate, that too would be welcomed. You never know, you might just be helping out a neighbor this holiday season. 
Chief Meteorologist Steve Udelson has had the opportunity to visit dozens of schools and talk to thousands of students.
Thousands of Metro area kids go hungry and unprotected from the elements. Now, as we continue to endure some extraordinarily tough times, the need has never been greater. People that had in the past donated to the needy are now needy themselves. I am proud to be using the 'power' of television to make our neighbors aware of this and to help area kids stay warm during the coming winter.
How the collection works:
We have four community business partners that have chosen to collect coats at their locations: Showmars Restaurants, Ashley HomeStore and ER Services.  In addition, this campaign would not be as successful without the grassroots community members who collect coats at their places of business, worship or through civic organizations.  All drop off location addresses and information are located on the Steve’s Coats for Kids homepage www.StevesCoatsForKids.com.    
Channel 9 Collection Day:  January 15, 2020
Viewers are invited to the WSOC-TV studios Wednesday, January 15, 2020 for a special “Channel 9 Collection Day” where they can bring their coats and meet Steve Udelson along with other on air personalities. Channel 9 will have live coverage of the collection throughout the day at 235 W. 23rd St., Charlotte, NC 28206, from 10:00am 7:00pm.
Collect on behalf of Steve's Coats for Kids:
This campaign also relies on the generous support of our community. CLICK HERE to see how you can get involved. If your organization or business would like to get involved or help with any WSOC-TV community campaign, please email your inquiry to Kevin Campbell, Public Affairs Manager at Kevin.campbell@wsoctv.com.