The Junior League of Austin Announces Winners of the Coats for Kids Coat Drive Competition

The Junior League of Austin, Jack Brown Cleaners, 98.1 KVET, and KVUE today announced the winners of the Coats for Kids​ Coat Drive Competition. Coats for Kids is an annual community project that collects and distributes warm winter coats to children in need in Central Texas. Each year, these partners bring the community together to ensure that the children of Central Texas stay warm.

The 2016 Coats for Kids​ Coat Drive competition winners are:

School Competition Winners

  • Preschool – Westlake United Methodist Preschool
  • Elementary School – Rowe Lane Elementary
  • Middle School – O’Henry Middle School
  • High School – Pflugerville High School Charter School – Eden Park Academy
  • Private School – Regents School of Austin & Hyde Park High School

Business and Organization Winners

  • Small Business – Pecan Springs Ranch
  • Large Business – Austin Regional Clinic (Covenant MSO)
  • Community Group – Austin Swim Club/Austin Aquatics and Sports Academy
  • Non-Profit Organization – Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation

On Saturday, December 10, 2016, thousands of families in need will have the opportunity to find just the right warm winter coat for their children. This year, we are celebrating 30 years of Coats for Kids ​and will distribute more than 35,000 to those in need in our community. The Junior League of Austin, Jack Brown Cleaners, 98.1 KVET and KVUE are proud to sponsor this event and thank the Central Texas community for supporting this worthwhile cause!

Coats for Kids​ is an annual community event through which new and gently-worn warm winter coats are collected and distributed to economically disadvantaged youth in Central Texas. Families who attend have the opportunity to learn about additional resources and services available through an on-site community fair featuring local non-profit organizations. Families who make less that 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible to receive a coat and have the opportunity to visit the community fair. The community’s support – both financial and in volunteer efforts – helps to keep so many children warm and healthy during the cold winter months. Volunteers who speak Spanish, Farsi, American Sign Language and other languages are especially needed.

“We are celebrating 30 years of Coats for Kids​ in Central Texas. It is heartwarming to think of all of the warm coats that have been distributed and the impact each and every coat makes to a child in need.” said Coats for Kids Chair, Laura Robinson. “Every year we have watched the line around Palmer Events Center grow as kids wait to get inside to choose their very own coat. We appreciate everyone who takes the time to volunteer, donate funds, give a coat or organize a coat drive. On no other day of the year is it more clear how much the people of Austin care about our community’s children!”

There is still time to donate towards the purchase of new coats – just $15 helps buy a new coat! This is a community-based initiative and it is because of the support of local groups, businesses, schools, and individuals that the youngest members of our community will be protected from the cold this winter. To donate to Coats for Kids​ or to volunteer, please visit https://www.jlaustin.org/coats.