With four children between ages 7 and 14, the Kelley family is always buying new coats before winter.
But, rather than throw out gently-used jackets that no longer fit, the family donates them to those in need through an annual program run by Anton’s Cleaners at Ralph Talbot Elementary School in Weymouth.
“It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” said mother Jennifer Kelley, who serves on the school’s parent council. “Parents get to clean out their closets and the children get to learn the benefits of donating to a charity.”
The Talbot school is one of more than 100 schools participating in Anton’s Cleaners’ 16th annual Coats for Kids drive.
The Tewksbury-based cleaners hope to collect 60,000 coats this year, a far cry from the 2,000 they received in their first year, said Arthur C. Anton, Jr., the cleaner’s chief operating officer.
The coats are cleaned and distributed to social service agencies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, he said.
“I know a lot of people have several coats that they haven’t worn in two years,” Anton said. “If you haven’t worn it for two years, there are people that need it more than your closet.”
The program accepts children’s or adult coats. Beginning Monday, items can be dropped off at any Anton’s Cleaners or Jordan’s Furniture location.
Anton’s Cleaners has stores in Braintree, Brockton, Canton, Easton, Marshfield and Stoughton.
The program ends Jan. 8. For more information, visit www.antons.com/cfk or call 800-659-0069.
Brian Benson may be reached at bbenson@ledger.com.