In East Hartford, 103 Warm Coats Take Edge Off One Icy Winter
Posted
on Feb 17, 2015
Been out and about our District lately? Then read on and see how East Hartford Rotarians are making a difference, outside, right now.
Their generosity, together with a Rotary District 7890 matching grant and a helping hand from the Burlington Coat Factory, mean that over a hundred East Hartford children are properly bundled up this winter, at no cost to their family.
It was the seventh time Rotary, the town of East Hartford, and Burlington Coat Factory joined together in an effort to keep young residents protected from the elements.
The annual “Koats for Kids” giveaway took place back in October. Of course, at that point, nobody could know just how bitterly cold this winter was going to be.
Needy families signed up for the program at East Hartford Town Hall. A few days later they went over to Burlington Coat Factory to choose their own coat. In just over an hour, the retailer processed over $4,000 in merchandise, and the families got free donuts, too. Some of the youngsters were already proudly sporting their new apparel that very afternoon.
Sure, everyone could see the event was a success. But just how much were those coats going to be needed? Last Monday, the temperature in Hartford topped out at a balmy 19 degrees. Enough said!