Lacombe FCSS expects increased need for Coats for Kids this winter

Although the extreme cold warning will end soon, winter won’t be ending for a few more months. That’s why the Lacombe and District Family and Community Support Services is looking for donations for Coats for Kids.  

“Coats for Kids is a wonderful program that is generated through the kindness and generosity of our local businesses and donors. 100 per cent of the donations stay local to help of our Lacombe County kids. We serve our City of Lacombe, County of Lacombe, Bentley, Clive and Alix families. They can all apply online or in our respective offices in those communities. We provide well-fitting gear for our very long, very cold winter season,” said Crystal Zens, Executive Director of the Lacombe FCSS.  

Families can apply by visiting their local FCSS office or apply by going online.  

This year, the organization is anticipating increased need to due to inflation but also due to the number of Ukrainians who have recently made the Lacombe area their home.  

“We're expecting the increase in need to go up this year due to our tools for school stats. We served 50 per cent more kids for Tools for Schools in September. We're bracing for more kids in need. Of course, we have lots of newcomers to our community from Ukraine and many of them don't experience these frigid temperatures. We're trying to get them their coats as fast as possible to we all know winter gear is an expensive cost and especially with the rise of costs of general merchandise,” explained Zens.  

Families who participate in Coats for Kids pick out their winter gear at local businesses. Donations are not only going towards helping a family in need but are also supporting local businesses. This year, the Lacombe FCSS has partnered with Red’s Source for Sports and Peavey Mart.  

“The family gets to choose their own style and colors and that sort of thing just gives them a lot of empowerment and ownership. It's a great program and we have lots of wonderful amazing donors in our community that support it. We do still have the call out if you feel led to give to the Coats for Kids program and help keep kids warm this winter. Please consider donating as the influx of applications are on the rise,” said Zens.  

Holiday programs for the Lacombe and District FCSS will also be starting up next week including Santa’s Anonymous and the Fill-A-Fridge program. A charity check stop will be happening on November 26 for the Lacombe FCSS as well as several other local charities.