Steve’s Coats for Kids donation straight from the heart

"No one should be without basic necessities like a warm coat, especially not our community's children," said Jessica Jankowski, communications coordinator for the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. "This is a quick and easy way to give back and make a huge difference."

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is collecting new and gently worn coats for the WSOC-TV Steve's Coats for Kids program.

WSOC-TV's Steve's Coats for Kids collects coats for local area children who live in need, and the coats are distributed by Crisis Assistance Ministry. An independent nonprofit agency, Crisis Assistance Ministry focuses on preventing homelessness and preserving dignity for Charlotte-Mecklenburg's working poor.

In the last 15 years, Steve's Coats for Kids has collected more than 200,000 coats.

"We understand how important it is to give back and support our community," Granger said.

Community Blood center of the Carolinas collects blood from the community to return it to the community. CBCC is an independent, locally managed, nonprofit community blood center and primary blood supplier to the region's patients and hospitals.

"Every day, we work to make our community a happier, healthy place," Jankowski said. "Whether we are providing a steady supply of the safest possible blood products or a barrel full of warm coats, we constantly strive to support those in need."

Jankowski expressed how this coat drive is another way for CBCC to connect with Charlotte and uphold its mission to build and strengthen the community.

"Our hope is for a strong, healthy community of people who support each other in times of need," Jankowski said.

Steve's Coats for Kids campaign runs from now until Jan. 19.

If you have an inspiring story and you or your group is collecting coats for Steve’s Coats for Kids, please contact Kevin Campbell, WSOC-TV community affairs manager, at kevin.campbell@wsoctv.com.

Cox Media Group