Coats for Kids brings in over 2,700 coats in first drive without founder

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — This year's WAND Coats for Kids drive was a success, despite the absence felt by many.

2024 was the first drive without its founder, Barbara Blakey.

WAND News interviewed Barb Blakey in 1996 to preview Coats for Kids.

Blakey first started the coat drive 33 years ago after recognizing a need in the community. She then partnered with WAND News to collect new and gently used coats for children every winter.

She died this summer, a few months after retiring from a three-decade career at Dove, Inc.

"She poured so much energy into it and more energy than I could have ever thought," said Darsonya Switzer, the Chief Executive Officer at Dove.

During WAND's Spirit of Giving, Angie Williams of Dove, Inc. announced that this year's drive collected 2,752 coats.

"The community is amazing," said Williams. "You will not find a more generous community out there."

For those who weren't able to donate during Coats for Kids, Williams said that coats are being accepted at the following agencies: Northeast Community Fund, the Salvation Army, New Life Pregnancy Center, the Decatur School District, and Dove's children's clothing room.

Since Blakey founded the drive, over 85,000 coats have been distributed.