Valley First Credit Union - Coats For Kids

Coats for Kids Click here for Drop Off Locations
After learning that many children in our communities were going to school in the wintertime without adequate coats, News 10 and KSEE 24 News stations created "Coats for Kids" programs. Since then, more than 450,000 new and gently used coats have been distributed to families in the Stanislaus, San Joaquin and Fresno communities.

Valley First Credit Union continues our partnership with the "News 10 Coats for Kids" program in Stanislaus County and "KSEE 24 News Coats for Kids" program in Fresno County. Coats collected at all branches will be distributed by the Salvation Army to those in need in our respective communities. You are invited to join us in making a difference this holiday season by donating coats in all sizes—new and gently used. Used coats need not be freshly cleaned. Coats will be cleaned as needed. Last year credit union members and staff donated 142 coats, which were distributed by the Salvation Army to those in need within our community.

FAQs:
Why are the coats distributed at the end of the year? Why not in October or November?
In the early years, the program tried launching the coat drive earlier in the year, with an eye towards distributing coats as soon as the weather turned cold. Unfortunately, the turnout was a big disappointment, with fewer than 6,000 coats donated. The switch was made to a November launch and a year-end distribution, which resulted in an immediate jump on the number of donations to more than 20,000 coats per year. It seems, people are more giving and generous during the holiday season.

The coat drive is called "Coats For Kids." Does that mean you just want children's coats?
Although the initial focus of the drive was to provide warmth for children, coats are now distributed to adults as well. A donation of any size coat — new or gently used—is appreciated.

I need a coat/I know some who needs a coat... How do I get one?
If you are in need of a winter coat, you may obtain one free of charge by coming to

Salvation Army designated locations in Fresno or Stanislaus area at times to be determined by Salvation Army. Coats are distributed on a first come, first serve basis, with a limit of one coat per individual. Acceptable forms of identification are required and include driver's license, state identification card, passport, student identification, social security card, library card, or other picture I.D.