Allstate Foundation, Fidelis Care are supporting this year's program
Colvin Cleaners held its first of three "Coats 4 Kids" distributions over the weekend at the True Bethel Baptist Church - and the response was overwhelming. Some 1,500 coats were distributed, which leaves officials concerned about its inventory for the next two distributions. Additionally, almost all of the donated gloves, hats and scarves were distributed.
The next distribution will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Colvin Cleaners warehouse, 2365 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore. The final distribution will be held Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Knights of Columbus, 36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg.
"We had nearly 300 families in line when we opened the doors at 9 a.m.," said Paul A. Billoni, president and CEO of Colvin Cleaners, an 87-years-young dry-cleaning business. "Now we need our neighbors and supporters to donate coats, especially kids coats, for next week's distribution. We have confidence that 'Buffalove' will come through again.
The 22nd annual "Coats 4 Kids" program, supported by The Allstate Foundation and Fidelis Care, runs through Dec. 1. Donations can be made at Colvin Cleaners, 2375 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore; Allstate Insurance agencies; and Fidelis Care. For a complete listing and addresses of all locations, visit
www.coats4kidswny.com.
Over the past 21 years, Colvin Cleaners has collected, cleaned, sorted and distributed - for free - more than 80,000 coats to children in need throughout Western New York.
Phil Billoni founded Colvin Cleaners. His brothers, Tony and Santo, worked in the business for more than 50 years. Tony's son, Paul, has worked there for 41 years. His son, Christopher, is vice president and the third generation member of the family business. For more information, visit
www.colvincleaners.com.