Lawton Coats for Kids Organization Receives Huge Donation

Lawton Coats for Kids will be able to supply around 105 more children this winter, thanks to a huge donation from the Apache Casino Hotel.

Coats for Kids began with a few individuals who wanted to help kids who weren't able to afford warm winter clothing in 2005. Coats for Kids grew over the years to a few schools then, in 2018 Real Estate Experts teamed up with the Lawton Board of Realtors and United Way. Now they are able to sponsor all schools in the Lawton Public School System. Donations also include hundreds of items donated to local charities like Lawton Food Bank, Hungry Hearts Ministries, and Love Ministries.

Last year (2021) was the biggest year for Coats for kids, with donations of 828 coats, hats, gloves, and 2 pairs of socks to the kids.

Fundraising continues all year to take advantage of clearance items in the spring, so costs are reduced in the fall. Coats for Kids contact the Schools for the list at the beginning of the school year, purchase and organize the coats all of October, and pass items out the 1st week of November.

Today in the lobby of the Apache Casino Hotel, the Casino/Hotel donated the proceeds of their fundraising efforts. A huge check in the amount of over $3,400! Stace Bohlendar, Darlene Anderson, Stephi Wilson, and Reedy Daly were all on hand for the check presentation.

Reedy Daly of Real Estate Experts said, "With this donation, we can supply needs of over 100 students in the Lawton/Fort Sill Area".

Apache Casino Hotel funds charities throughout the year with a couple of different means. First, they have a receptacle for payout tickets with a small balance. Many times, gamers won't cash out those tickets, but they can leave them at the door and all of those small tickets are donated with a matching donation from the Casino. They also sell Cookies and Coffee each month, with the proceeds of those sales being donated as well. The orginal goal for this campaign was $2,000!

Stephi Wilson from the marketing department of the hotel says, "It is my hope that we will be able to continue to fund this program again next year. This is definitely one that we are proud to help!"

For more information about Coats for Kids and how you can help, contact Real Estate Experts at (580) 248-2600.

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