Valet Today Cleaners Annual Coat Drive

After a whopping 106.1 inches of snow last winter, it’s safe to say we can all appreciate the importance of having a good, hardy winter coat! With low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and blustering winds winter can be a dangerous season for those unprepared for its harsh conditions. We are thankful for Valet Today Cleaners Annual Coat Drive to help those in need!

Coats can be expensive- yes, but they are necessary to make it through a Montana winter comfortably and safely. Maybe you're a new foster parent in need of multiple children's coats, a struggling, newly single parent, or bereft of finances after a family illness or loss, whatever the case may be, the goal of this coat drive is to help gather and clean coats that can then be distributed within our community. If you're struggling to clothe your children or yourself, this is a great way to find nice, clean coats for you and your family. And if you have new or gently-used coats lying around, this is a wonderful cause to donate to.

Stacey Frank (and her family) are the proud owners of three Valet Today Cleaners locations in Billings. Over the years, they have done a terrific job of giving back to our community through events such as the annual coat and shoe drives, as well as supporting various charities throughout the year. The Annual Coat Drive has helped people in our area for the last 30 years! Stacey shared that it was a tradition they wished to continue when they took over the business 12 years ago—and we’re glad they did!

According to Stacey, each year there are approximately 5,000 coats donated, resulting in over 90,000 coats having been collected, cleaned, and distributed. Isn’t that incredible? This could not happen without the generosity of the donors (see donation drop off information below). Once the coats are collected and cleaned, Stacey and her staff share them with those who will distribute them as needed. Stacey commented, “We are happy to be able to assist great organizations like Family Services, Inc. and Community Hope of Laurel in acquiring resources like coats to provide them to those who need them so dearly.”

Fall is an excellent time to sort through your coat closet! Does everyone have a coat that fits? After last winter, it’s important to make it a priority to be ready for the cold. If you need to purchase new coats,  now is a great time to donate your gently-used ones. If you can’t afford a new coat and need one, contact Family Services and/or Community Hope to find out coat distribution information. As George R.R. Martin puts it, “Winter is coming"; join Valet Today in helping our community be prepared!

Annual Coat Drive Information:

• The coat drive runs from September through October 31 each year. 
• New and gently-used coats can be dropped off at any of these 3 convenient locations: (2474 Enterprise Avenue - 2 blocks southwest of Costco, 2434 Grand Avenue - near the corner of 24th Street and Grand Avenue on the West End, or 524 Liberty Street - behind Dairy Queen in the Heights.)
• Visit valet-today.com to learn more about their services, the annual Coat Drive, and with any other questions.

about the author...Katie Jones Backer is a former History teacher with a passion for travel, history, writing, music, and helping others. She is happiest, though, when spending time with her husband, daughter, and two adorable Pomeranians!

Originally printed in the pages of Simply Family Magazine’s September 2018 issue.

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