WOODBURY, Minn. –Ideal Credit Union members, staff and the community once again helped to fill collection barrels to ensure kids in the Twin Cities metro area receive new or gently used coats this winter. A total of 224 coats and 123 winter accessories were collected at Ideal Credit Union branch locations throughout the year, culminating with the October Salvation Army Coats for Kids Drive. In addition, the Ideal Community Foundation donated $2,500 from Casual for a Cause and other contributions, which the Salvation Army will use to make 156 more coats for needy children.
Ideal CU and the Ideal Community Foundation have partnered with the Salvation Army since 2010 to serve as a drop-off site for the local community and provide monetary support for the Coats for Kids program. To increase donations, collection barrels are placed year-round in Ideal CU branch locations and participation in the drive is promoted regularly in member communications and at community and branch events.
“Ideal CU and the Ideal Community Foundation are proud to partner with the Salvation Army Coats for Kids drive to ensure no child goes without proper winter attire,” said Ideal CU President Brian Sherrick. “With winter’s early arrival, a warm coat can make a big difference in keeping kids comfortable in harsh conditions.”
From left, Brian Sherrick, Ideal CU President/Ideal Community Foundation Chairman, Emily Kelly, (center) Ideal CU Casual for a Cause coordinator, and Cindy Kurtz, (right) Ideal Community Foundation Board Member, recently presented a check for $2,500 to Salvation Army representative Mallory Birch (second from left). The funds will be used to make 156 additional coats for needy kids this winter.