As winter approaches, it’s a reminder that every child in our community deserves the warmth and comfort they need to learn, play, and thrive. For 14 years, Koats 4 Kids, led by Julie and Bruce Ehlers, has provided brand-new coats, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, and scarves to students across the Cedar Valley.
In that time, they’ve distributed:
- 11,982 coats
- 8,915 pairs of boots
- 6,449 pairs of snow pants
- And thousands of hats, gloves, and scarves
Koats 4 Kids supports students in the Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Hudson School Districts, as well as River Hills, Royal Legacy Christian Academy, and other area private schools.
Julie often shares the image of a child with only a coat, standing on the blacktop at recess, watching their friends play in the snow because they don’t have snow pants or boots. Koats 4 Kids’ goal is to make sure no child is standing by watching their classmates play.
This program serves children of all ages, from elementary students playing at recess to high schoolers walking to school in freezing temperatures. School staff identify students in need and send “orders” to the Ehlers, who make sure every child gets exactly what they need. Once everything is ready, students attend fun “shopping events” at their schools where they can pick the winter gear they love!
This year, Koats 4 Kids aims to provide 1,500 coats for children of all ages and 1,200 snow pants and boots for elementary students.
Koats 4 Kids relies on community generosity to continue this important work. If you would like to support, gifts can be made online at https://wloocf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1077. Checks can also be mailed to the Waterloo Community Foundation, PO Box 1253, Waterloo, IA 50704. All checks can be made out to the Waterloo Community Foundation with “Koats 4 Kids” in the memo line.
Follow the Koats 4 Kids Facebook page to learn more and see updates!
