Thank you for making the 2010-2011 drive a success!!
The 2010-2011 Coats for Kids drive was an overwhelming success. The public, along with 259 schools, and almost 300 corporate and community partners, dropped off coats from October 15, 2010 through January 8, 2011. The result was a near-record total of 68,387 coats, the second highest total in this 16-year old program. A remarkable accomplishment in a year when the economy was sputtering, the winter extremely harsh and more people in need.
Every year, hundreds of Anton’s employees step up to the immense challenge of receiving and cleaning an enormous number of coats, all without charge. The company has cleaned 688,000 coats and contributed over $8,500,000 in cleaning costs since the program began. Yet, its contribution extends far beyond that. Anton’s wants to ensure that the coats reach those in need and improve the lives of those in the communities it serves, and beyond.
“The Coats for Kids program could not have come at a better time since many families were struggling to keep warm, both inside and outside of their homes. Through Coats for Kids, we were able to give families warm coats so that they could devote their resources to other needs, such as heating their homes and buying food. I believe that in so many ways, Anton’s Cleaners is an unsung hero to so many people.”
– Joseph Diamond, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association for Community Action
As a result, Anton’s has developed and coordinated an extensive distribution partnership. In this program year, 86 non-profit and social service agencies signed on to distribute coats at no charge to those in need.
Distribution partners include MASSCAP, Salvation Army, Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Mental Health Association of Greater Lowell, The Community Giving Tree, Rosie’s Place, Catholic Charities, Children’s Services and Boston University Medical Center: Outreach Van Project among others.
Promotional Partners FOX25, Jordan’s Furniture, KISS 108, JAM’N 94.5 and GateHouse Media all played an important role in spreading the word. Thanks to the Supporting Partners, Package Supply Company and Fuse Ideas, along with Jordan’s Furniture, the School Rewards Program once again awarded the top schools for their efforts in the collection drive. Finally, it is really the overwhelming response of customers, individuals and the corporate, community and school partners who dedicate their time in organizing collection drives and dropping off coats, that makes it all possible.
To all our partners, thank you!
Applause for School Rewards™ winners!
Elementary Schools
1st Place
Hospital School, Canton, MA.
The school received $1,200 in furnishings from Jordan’s Furniture; a $250 gift certificate from Paul’s TV; a visit by one of the FOX25 meteorologists; a $250 cash prize and the student body enjoy a make-your-own-sundae party.
2nd Place
Odyssey Day School, Wakefield, MA.
The school received a $500 cash prize; and the students are given a pizza party.
3rd Place
Edward Everett School, Dorchester, MA.
The school received a $250 cash prize and the teachers received a $500 school supply gift certificate.
Middle Schools
1st Place
Watertown Middle School, Watertown, MA.
The school received $1,200 in furnishings from Jordan’s Furniture; a private movie screening at Jordan’s Furniture IMAX theatre; a $250 gift certificate from Paul’s TV; a $250 cash prize and the student body enjoy a make-your-own-sundae party.
2nd Place
Shirley Middle School, Shirley, MA.
The school received a $500 cash prize and the students will be given a pizza party.
3rd Place
Andover Montessori School, Andover, MA.
The school received a $250 cash prize and the teachers receive a $500 school supply gift certificate.
Success Stories
New for 2010, Coats for Kids encouraged schools to share how they make their coat drive a success. All schools that submitted a story received a 5% boost towards winning a prize in the Coats for Kids School Rewards program. Visit our Facebook page to read the wonderfully creative approaches and view videos and photos of the school’s efforts.
Scout Troop Winners
Congratulations to the scout groups that collected the most coats per member:
Cub Scout Pack 116, Foxboro
Girl Scout Troop 60079, Andover
The scouts received 25 passes to Jordan’s Furniture IMAX theatre