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Colvin Cleaners 'Coats 4 Kids' distributes record number of coats

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Mon, Nov 20th 2017 03:55 pm
Saturday, Dec. 2, in Hamburg final distribution date for kids in need
The Colvin Cleaners 22nd annual "Coats 4 Kids" program, sponsored by The Allstate Foundation and Fidelis Care, distributed a record 2,600 coats and several thousand pairs of gloves, hats and scarves on Saturday at its warehouse. That brings this year's distribution total to 4,100 coats for children and families in need with one distribution remaining: Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg.
Last year, Colvin Cleaners distributed a record of just over 5,000 coats.
"We knew the need was going to be great this year based on the number of calls inquiring about distribution dates, but we never expected to see what occurred Saturday morning when the line was around our building. That speaks to the serious need of many in our community," said Paul Billoni, president and CEO of Colvin Cleaners. "It was like the United Nations as families from so many countries were here looking for a coat for their first winter in Buffalo."
"We thank all of the generous donors of Western New York who have helped us ensure that no child is exposed to our cold, harsh winters without a coat and hat," he added. "Because of Saturday's distribution, our inventory is very low again, but we now have two weeks to generate more coats."
Donation can be made at Colvin Cleaners, 2375 Elmwood, Kenmore; Allstate Insurance agencies; Fidelis Care; Native Pride in Irving; and Paula's Donuts. For a complete listing, visit www.coats4kidswny.com.
For those who do not have coats to donate, they can purchase them at Park Avenue Coat Co., which is offering a 20 percent discount on any coat purchased specifically for "Coats 4 Kids" at these participating locations: 2300 Hamburg Turnpike, Lackawanna; and 144 William St., Buffalo.
New Era employees donated more than 1,000 knit NFL logo hats for each child Saturday. They have agreed to donate more for the final distribution.
Over the past 22 years, Colvin Cleaners has now collected, cleaned, sorted and distributed, for free, more than nearly 85,000 coats to children in need throughout Western New York.
An 87-years-young company, Colvin Cleaners was founded by Phil Billoni. His brothers, Tony and Santo, worked in the business for over 50 years. Tony's son, Paul, has worked there for 41 years. His son, Christopher, is vice president and a third-generation member of the family business.
For more information, visit www.colvincleaners.com.

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