Seasonal Events

Coats for Kids

Each year The Salvation Army collaborates with WTHR Channel 13 and Tuchman Cleaners for the annual Coats for Kids campaign.  2008 marked the 22nd year for this event, which was first started in 1986 by Bob Gregory, a former weather man for WTHR Channel 13.

The Coats for Kids program is designed to assist Central Indiana residents by providing new and gently used coats for children.  The event is held each year at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and is open to the public; however the child MUST be present to receive a coat! 

In 2008 we collected over 8,000 coats and distributed them to 4,380 children, a new record!  In addition to the coats, 3,437 pairs of gloves, hats, scarves were given away. 

Christmas City Toy Shop

Each December, The Salvation Army partners with WISH TV Channel 8 to provide toys to families where at least one parent is working or in school.  Applications are collected throughout the month of November and are checked with the United Christmas Service.  Eligible applicants are invited to a “Toy Shop” at the Indiana State Fairgrounds where they are escorted by a volunteer that helps them shop for their children. 

In 2008, which marked the 8th year for this event, over 13,000 toys were collected.  We invited 974 families to Toy Shop to pick out new, unwrapped toys for their children for Christmas.  The 2009 Distribution date is December 17th, by invitation only.