KENMORE, NY—Colvin Cleaners is asking Western New Yorkers to go through their closets and donate gently used or new winter coats, jackets, gloves, hats and scarves for toddlers to young adults for families in need this winter season.
The 22nd annual Coats 4 Kids program, supported by The Allstate Foundation and Fidelis Care, runs through December 1 and donations can be made at Colvin Cleaners, 2375 Elmwood, Kenmore, Allstate Insurance agencies and Fidelis Care. For a complete listing and addresses of all locations, visit www.coats4kidswny.com.
“With the support of The Allstate Foundation and Fidelis Care, I am very excited because we now have more than 40 donation locations throughout WNY which makes it very convenient for people to donate new or gently used coats, jackets, gloves, hats and scarves,” said Paul A. Billoni, President and CEO of Colvin Cleaners, an 87-years-young family-owned dry cleaners. “With their support we will be able to supply coats to all families who otherwise could not afford them. Don’t let this weather fool you it is going to get cold.”
Fidelis Care has supported Coats 4 Kids for years. “Our commitment to serve children, adults, and families reach far beyond health coverage,” said Jennifer Lyons, Fidelis Care Director of Marketing. “As a mission-driven health plan, we are proud to support programs that directly benefit the most vulnerable population within our local community.”
“Allstate agents help protect customers from life’s uncertainties; as small business owners, their passion is to make sure the people in their local communities are well taken care of, through all of life’s challenges,” said Kayla Taylor, New York Allstate spokesperson. “We are so happy to partner with Colvin Cleaners once again, and support their efforts in giving the gift of warmth to local families in need by collecting coats, scarves and other winter essentials at close to 40 Allstate agency locations across WNY.”
The Coats 4 Kids distribution dates are: Saturday, November 11: True Bethel Baptist Church, 907 East Ferry St., Buffalo 14211; Saturday, November 18: Colvin Cleaners Warehouse, 2365 Elmwood Ave., Kenmore 14217 and Saturday, December 2: Knights of Columbus, 36 Pierce Avenue, Hamburg 14075. All distributions are held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. with a limit of one coat per person.
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 WNY for free. Unfortunately, Billoni has seen the need increase annually. “I am confident our generous neighbors throughout WNY will come through again for this much needed drive. For us, it is all worthwhile when families come in and go through the racks of coats or pick out a pair of gloves that will keep them warm this winter. When they smile or say thank you, it puts tears in your eyes,” Billoni said.
About Colvin Cleaners: 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 and 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. Colvin Cleaners is the only WNY drycleaners to use the environmentally friendly Green Earth cleaning solution. For more information, visit www.colvincleaners.com.
About The Allstate Foundation: Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people’s well-being and prosperity. With a focus on building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, empowering youth and celebrating the charitable community involvement of Allstate agency owners and employees, The Allstate Foundation works to bring out the good in people’s lives. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org
About Fidelis Care: As a mission-driven health plan, Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life, including products available through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace. With more than 1.6 million members Statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org. Follow us on Twitter at @fideliscare and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare.