Coats for Kids in need of a new operator
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POLSON — For the last 23 years, Coats for Kids has operated out of the Port Polson Inn. Now, the important community service project needs someone new to take it over.
Started by Port Polson Inn manager Anne Engebretson back in 1999, she and her staff have helped to give away hundreds of coats to kids in the community who need them. The feat, she says, could not have been accomplished without vast community support.
“We really want to thank everyone who’s donated over the years,” Engebretson said. “The community, Toys for Tots, the Marine Corp, the Country Store, a group of women who hand-knitted hats, and Brent Bowman from the LDS Church especially. Their coat and food drive alone brought us three huge bags of coats.”
As important as the project is, Engebretson says after more than two decades on the job she’s ready to pass the torch.
She and her staff have spent countless hours over the years sorting through hundreds of donations, washing and storing the coats, and helping to give them away to people in the community. “The staff was a huge part of this. I’m not always here, and it’s a lot of work,” Engebretson said.
Every year, Coats for Kids brings in over 100 coats. This year, Engebretson said it was closer to 200. The quality of donations over the years, Engebretson commented, has been incredible. Some people go out and buy coats just to donate, she said. The generosity of the valley is what has kept Coats for Kids going.
“We’re just so, so grateful to the community. None of this could have been done without everyone who donated. It makes such a big difference,” Engebretson stated.
Helping neighbors in need has always been the driving force. Seeing little kids try on their new coats and watching their eyes light up in excitement is something Engebretson will always remember fondly.
“We don’t ask any questions, just come in and get a coat,” Engebretson said. “Our only stipulation is that parents bring their kids in to try on the coats. That way they can make sure they actually fit, and the kid can pick out something they’ll really want to wear.”
The Port Polson Inn is no longer accepting coat donations, but Engebretson remains hopeful someone else will step up to take on the project. She encourages anyone interested to reach out to her at the Port Polson Inn: 406-883-5385. There are coats left over to help get the next group started.
“So many people in our community need coats,” Engebretson said. “I really hope someone will carry this on.”
