MOLINE, Illinois -
With the holiday season just around the corner, demand for essential items like food and clothing could be greater than ever. These are challenges facing charities around the Quad Cities.
More than 50 kid from three Rock Island schools are ready for a most unusual field trip on Thursday.
At SouthPark Mall, their assignment is simple: pick out a coat, hat and mittens at the Old Navy store -- free of charge.
"Usually, it's let's get this," said Cheyanne Clark, a sixth grader on the trip. "But instead we get to choose, and I really like that about it."
Volunteers from the Rock Island Kiwanis Club lead this shopping expedition. It's a mission made even more important during a sour economy. Old Navy is pitching in $1,000 and discounting prices to make it possible. Johannes Bus Service and Chick-Fil-A in Moline teamed up to provide transportation and food.
"It's a wonderful project," said Tom Ketelaar, Kiwanis Club member. "You get in here. The kids start picking out their coats, hats and mittens. To see them light up like a Christmas bulb, it's wonderful to see."
"They're fabulous," added fifth grader Jacinda Solis. "I love them. They're so beautiful."
As youngsters make the rounds inside the store with club members, it seems like a perfect fit. They're gettng a brand new coat before the really cold weather arrives.
"I hope they are so happy because they get something to keep them warm, so they don't get sick or anything," Solis said.
There are busy times at the checkout lines. The Kiwanis Club was able to more than double what it normally provides, and kids are ready to brave the elements.
"It's so nice," Solis said. "I didn't imagine they would do this, but this is so cool."
"I'm actually very happy because I couldn't wait any longer to get a new coat," Clark concluded. "This one just feels so perfect. I love it."
Feeling the warmth this season with Coats for Kids.
More than 50 kid from three Rock Island schools are ready for a most unusual field trip on Thursday.
At SouthPark Mall, their assignment is simple: pick out a coat, hat and mittens at the Old Navy store -- free of charge.
"Usually, it's let's get this," said Cheyanne Clark, a sixth grader on the trip. "But instead we get to choose, and I really like that about it."
Volunteers from the Rock Island Kiwanis Club lead this shopping expedition. It's a mission made even more important during a sour economy. Old Navy is pitching in $1,000 and discounting prices to make it possible. Johannes Bus Service and Chick-Fil-A in Moline teamed up to provide transportation and food.
"It's a wonderful project," said Tom Ketelaar, Kiwanis Club member. "You get in here. The kids start picking out their coats, hats and mittens. To see them light up like a Christmas bulb, it's wonderful to see."
"They're fabulous," added fifth grader Jacinda Solis. "I love them. They're so beautiful."
As youngsters make the rounds inside the store with club members, it seems like a perfect fit. They're gettng a brand new coat before the really cold weather arrives.
"I hope they are so happy because they get something to keep them warm, so they don't get sick or anything," Solis said.
There are busy times at the checkout lines. The Kiwanis Club was able to more than double what it normally provides, and kids are ready to brave the elements.
"It's so nice," Solis said. "I didn't imagine they would do this, but this is so cool."
"I'm actually very happy because I couldn't wait any longer to get a new coat," Clark concluded. "This one just feels so perfect. I love it."
Feeling the warmth this season with Coats for Kids.
