The 2011-2012 Coats for Kids drive was an overwhelming success. The public, along with 261 schools, and 315 corporate and community partners, dropped off coats from October 15, 2011 through January 8, 2012. Despite the fact it was one of the warmest winters in recent memory, the program collected, cleaned, and distributed over 56,300 coats of all sizes for families.<\/p>\n
Every year, hundreds of Anton\u2019s employees step up to the immense challenge of receiving and cleaning an enormous number of coats, all without charge. The company has cleaned over 744,000 coats and contributed over $8,500,000 in cleaning costs since the program began. Yet, its contribution extends far beyond that. Anton\u2019s wants to ensure that the coats reach those in need and improve the lives of those in the communities it serves, and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/em> As a result, Anton\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Place, Catholic Charities, Children\u2019s Services and Boston University Medical Center: Outreach Van Project among others.<\/p>\n Promotional Partners FOX25, Jordan\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n To all our partners, thank you!<\/strong><\/p>\n Charles A. Bernazzani Elementary School, Quincy, MA. <\/strong> Kittredge Elementary School, North Andover, MA. <\/strong>
\n– Joseph Diamond, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association for Community Action<\/p>\n
\nApplause for School Rewards\u2122 winners!<\/h1>\n
Elementary Schools<\/h3>\n
1st Place<\/h4>\n
\nThe school received $1,200 in furnishings from Jordan\u2019s Furniture; a $250 gift card for school supplies; a visit by one of the FOX25 meteorologists; an ice cream social school party, and a chance to be featured in the 2012-2013 Coats for Kids campaign.<\/p>\n2nd Place<\/h4>\n
\nThe school received a $500 gift card towards school supplies, and a pizza party for the school.<\/p>\n3rd Place<\/h4>\n