By Trisha Steger, BAKFC Executive Officer

The Builders Association of Kosciusko – Fulton Counties’ “Coats for Kids” project wrapped up its 22nd year during the week of Nov. 13. A combination of 21 “Coats for Kids” committee members and delivery team volunteers packed and delivered 486 coats to 19 elementary schools in Kosciusko, Fulton and Whitley counties. Since 1996, the Builders Association of Kosciusko – Fulton Counties Members and regional businesses have donated to support this cause, providing money to purchase over 7,000 brand new coats to elementary schools as of this year.

This year’s coats were purchased at Meijer stores in Warsaw, Goshen, Elkhart and Mishawaka. Warsaw’s Meijer has been the official coat sponsor for the past three years. Warsaw Meijer and its fashion team members ordered and organized the coats in addition to extending Black Friday discounts to the committee and provided a generous donation to help defray the cost of the new winter coats. The coats are given to area children of families in need. The Builders Association of Kosciusko – Fulton Counties wishes to extend its warmest gratitude to Meijer for its generosity and to Warsaw Meijer’s Softlines Team Leader James Shirey for his role in making this year’s “Coats for Kids” a success.

BAKFC would also like to recognize and thank all of its “Coats for Kids” sponsor donors, committee members and the packing and delivery volunteers who joined in its efforts to provide warm winter coats for children in need. A list of this year’s sponsor donors, committee members and delivery volunteers is provided below.

The Builders Association Kosciusko Fulton Counties is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to the enhancement of the building industry. Affordable housing, member education and community philanthropy are main areas of focus. Membership in the Builders Association Kosciusko-Fulton Counties automatically includes all inclusive membership in the Indiana Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. For more information about “Coats for Kids,” membership opportunities or other events, visit www.bakfc.com.