Colvin Cleaners Annual Coats for Kids Drive Using COVID Distribution Protocol
Live Drive to Donate Coats November 23, 4-7 pm at Southgate Plaza
Colvin Cleaners has launched their traditional Coats for Kids Drive for the same reason they began 26 years ago—adults and children across Western New York are in need of warm outer wear to survive the wintry weather. According to Colvin Cleaners Vice President, Christopher Billoni, what’s not the same about this year’s drive is the manner in which the family-owned dry-cleaning company is distributing the donated coats and accessories.
“Last year, at the height of the COVID Pandemic, we modified the ways in which we traditionally distributed coats and outerwear to ensure the wellbeing of everyone involved,” Billoni said. “In an effort to safely distribute as many coats, hats, scarves, gloves and boots as possible, we are maintaining the same distribution protocols from last year. Rather than give-away events which draws large gatherings of people coming to various locations, we are working with local nonprofit agencies throughout WNY to deliver the warm winter donations to them, who are used to safely distributing donations and supporting their communities.”
Colvin Cleaners, the official dry cleaner and tailor of the Buffalo Bills, partners in the Coats for Kids Drive with The Allstate Foundation and is also supported by WIVB-TV and Townsquare Media. In the two-plus decades that the business has undertaken the charitable outreach, they have distributed more than 110,000 items of warm clothing throughout the Queen City and suburbs. Yet as Company President and CEO, Paul A. Billoni, notes, this year it is clear that there is increased need throughout the WNY community.
“The last sixteen months under the cloud of COVID have been stressful for everyone,” Billoni stated. “People of all socio-economic groups are struggling after having lost their jobs, their homes, and even their family members. That’s why this year’s Coats for Kids Drive is so important as the need is truly greater than ever. Fortunately, Western New Yorkers are generous in times like these. I have no doubt they will come out and make this our largest collection drive ever.”
For those who would like to donate coats and winter outwear, a list of donation sites throughout Erie County is available at https://www.coatsforkidswny.com/donation-locations. Donations can also be dropped off at Colvin Cleaners, 2375 Elmwood Avenue, Kenmore. A live donation drive will be held at Southgate Plaza in front of The Market in the Square on Tuesday, November 23rd from 4pm-6:30pm.
Anyone in need of winter outerwear, Coats for Kids distribution sites include: Bethesda Full Gospel Church—6 Delaware St. Tonawanda, Ken-Ton Closet—250 Athens Blvd. Tonawanda, New Cedar Grove Life Changing Church—100 Old Maryvale Dr. Cheektowaga, WNY Mobile Overdose Prevention Services and The James A. Dockery Community Center—800 Sycamore St. Buffalo. Specific times and residency requirements are in effect at certain locations. Full details are available at https://www.coatsforkidswny.com/ or by calling the individual sites.
ABOUT COLVIN CLEANERS: Colvin Cleaners is a family-owned business, established in 1931 by Phil and Angeline Billoni. As the business grew, the Billoni’s relocated from their Buffalo location on Colvin Blvd to a larger store front in Kenmore. In 1943, they purchased a nearby building at 2375 Elmwood to house their dry-cleaning plant and finishing operation, where the company continues operations today. Eventually, Phil’s brothers, Tony and Santo joined the business and worked side-by-side with their family for more than 50 years. Tony’s son, Paul, came onboard in 1979 and today serves as Colvin Cleaners President/CEO. As Colvin Cleaners celebrates its 90th year of operation, Paul’s son, Christopher and his daughter, Erica have become the third generation to continue in the Billoni Family tradition of working at the cleaners, serving as the Company’s Vice President and Quality Control Manager, respectively. Colvin Cleaners is the “Official Cleaner” of The Buffalo Bills and the only WNY drycleaner to use the environmentally friendly Green Earth cleaning solution.
www.colvincleaners.com. https://www.facebook.com/ColvinCleanersWNY https://twitter.com/ColvinCleaners https://www.instagram.com/colvincleaners/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/colvin-cleaners-inc-colvin-draperies-inc/
