Coats For Kids Deadline This Thursday

LAS CRUCES – Thursday, October 30, 2008 is the last day to register a child to receive a free coat through the 14th Annual First Community Bank Coats for Kids program.

Parents can register Las Cruces children, ages birth to fifth grade, at their child’s school.

New and gently used coats may be dropped off at the following locations:

First Community Bank: 277 E. Amador Ave., 3090 N. Roadrunner Parkway and 901 University Ave., Bldg. Q.; Alameda Laundry and Cleaners: 645 S. Alameda Blvd.; Albertson’s: 1285 S. El Paseo Road, 2551 E. Lohman Ave. and 2501 N. Main St.; 101 Gold (KVLC Radio, 101.1 FM) offices: 101 Perkins Drive.

First Community Bank, together with the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico, Alameda Laundry and Cleaners and 101 Gold Radio, has given out more than 13,000 coats to needy children in the past 13 years.

“We work with principals and counselors from LCPS, Gadsden Independent Schools and Hatch Valley Public Schools to help identify children and their siblings who need a coat,” said Karen Bailey, the bank’s vice president for business development, and a long-time Coats for Kids volunteer.

The distribution of coats is at the Community Action Agency. “Last year on the day of distribution, we had over 40 volunteers. Wal-Mart provided cookies and milk for all the children, and hot dogs were provided by Wienerschnitzel,” she said.

This year, “the need is greater than ever. Please check your closets for any unused or un-needed coats to donate to this most worthwhile cause. Please join in making southern New Mexico a warm and wonderful place to live and grow for all children,” said Bailey.

If you would like to donate cash in lieu of a coat, send your donation to: Coats for Kids, c/o First Community Bank, 277 E. Amador Ave., Las Cruces, N.M. 88001.