Canady’s Coats for Kids starts 7th annual drive

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Canady’s Heating, Air and Plumbing and United Way of the Coastal Empire have started the 7th annual Canady’s Coats for Kids drive, which collects new coats for children in need before winter.

Grayson Hentley of Canady’s and United Way of the Coastal Empire CEO Kimberly Waller showcased the start of the drive.

Sponsors and drop-off points

Sponsors include WTOC, the Savannah Ghost Pirates’ Ice Cove, Belk, All American Glass and, as of this weekend, Tanger Outlets. Those locations and the Canady’s locations make up 11 drop-off points for donations.

The drive usually runs in January. This year, organizers started it earlier to prepare for winter weather for those in need.

What to donate

Canady’s will accept new, unused coats for children from infant to 17 years old. Used or damaged coats cannot be accepted, according to the campaign flyer.

Early donations

The drive already has donations, including some from a Canady’s customer who has donated 200 knitted hats on a recurring basis for six years.

Drive dates and distribution

The drive runs from Monday, Nov. 9, through Sunday, Dec. 6. Canady’s will deliver the coats to United Way of the Coastal Empire on Tuesday, Dec. 8. United Way will distribute the coats to member agencies that serve children in need.

Collection boxes are inside each location’s lobby unless otherwise noted. A Canady’s employee will pick up donated coats each week and take them to Canady’s for storage.

Drop-off locations

United Way of the Coastal Empire

• Chatham County: 428 Bull St., Savannah, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Bryan County: 40 S. Industrial Blvd., Pembroke, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Effingham County: 711 Zitterour Drive, Rincon, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Liberty/Long County: 750 Tupelo Trail, Hinesville, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Canady’s

• 504 Scott Court, Richmond Hill, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 211-B Johnny Mercer Blvd., Wilmington Island, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Partner locations

• Belk at Oglethorpe Mall, 7804 Abercorn St., Savannah, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• WTOC, 11 The News Place, Savannah, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Ghost Pirates Ice Cove, 18 Anchor Park Blvd., Port Wentworth, daily, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
• All American Glass, 4828 Augusta Road, Garden City, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Tanger Outlets: [address and hours needed]

People who know a child in need of a coat can contact United Way of the Coastal Empire’s 211 Information & Referral Service by emailing 211@uwce.org or dialing 2-1-1.

For more information, go to Canady’s website.