Coats for Kids drive officially kicks off
with public ceremony
City Council Speaker Gifford Miller and
Council Member James Gennaro were among the city officials and
staff that showed up to help the National
Cleaners Association launch
the 2003 Coats for Kids drive on October 29.
Several NCA cleaners and staff members
also joined the cause, which aims to provide warm clothing for
the less fortunate this winter.
“Most of us have been brought up to
give something back to those in need,” said Speaker
Miller. “With the cold weather fast approaching, all New
Yorkers must do their part to ensure that children stay warm
through the harsh city winter.”
Council Member Gennaro agreed.
“There is no higher priority for this city than to care
and provide for our children,” he said. “One child
without a coat, a meal, a place to live or a first class
education is one too many. When any child is not provided with
the basic necessities and provisions of life, that is a failure
of government, and the consequences of failure are just too
costly.”
The Council hopes to do its part by
offering large bins in many targeted areas — including
government offices, churches, synagogues, retail outlets and
schools — allowing people to drop off their gently-worn
winter garments. Participating NCA cleaners will professionally
clean the garments free of charge before they are distributed
to families who need them.
To date, NCA participating members have
donated over $480,000 in cleaning services. The association
first contributed to the Coats for Kids drive back in 1986. In
that time, nearly half a million coats have been given out.
“This is truly a great thing,”
said Nora Nealis, executive director of NCA. “It
represents the compassionate interest that our new City Council
has for its community. Together with hundreds of volunteers and
NCA-member dry cleaners, our 2003 Coats for Kids campaign is
making an everlasting difference in the lives of those who are
less fortunate.”
Speaker Miller added: “You may not
receive any money for it, but I promise you that this act of
kindness and community philanthropy will enhance your quality
of life and directly impact the health of our entire
city.”
For more information on the Coats for Kids
program, contact Jennifer Roth at the National Cleaners
Association at (212) 967-3002, ext. 229.
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NEFA sets early plans for Fabricare Image
2004
In an effort to boost attendance, the Northeast
Fabricare Association has
pushed its Fabricare Image 2004 show back from its
regular spring date, which, traditionally, is considered a
busier season for drycleaners.
The show will be June 12 and 13 at the
Rhode Island Convention Center, located in Providence, RI.
Exhibit hours will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, including inquiries
on exhibit booth sales, contact Peter Blake, executive vice
president of NEFA, (800) 442-6848, or visit the
NEFA web site at www.nefabricare.com.
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