Coats For Kids provides warmth for those in need

With days getting shorter and cold winter nights just around the corner, it’s a good time to make sure family members have all the winter gear they’ll need to keep warm.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s Military and Family Readiness Center is offering clean, gently used, coats to keep children warm.

For families relocating to JBER from a warmer climate, equipping the whole family with cold weather gear can be a daunting and expensive task. This program helps to reduce that stress and cost.

“When we arrived at JBER in 2016, one of our first stops was to the Family Readiness office where we were greeted by friendly staff and got helpful information for getting settled in to our new location,” said Philip Jenkins, an Air Force spouse. “Within 30 minutes, our three children were ready to face the subarctic winter.”

JBER elementary schools fall within the Anchorage School District, which requires outside recess unless the temperature or wind chill factor reaches minus 10. Students are required to wear snow pants, gloves, hats and jackets to play outside.

“You might be surprised how expensive it can be to outfit children for school, and sometimes during those growth spurts, you may have to do it multiple times per year,” said Reece Baldwin, M&FRC Coats for Kids program lead.

The M&FRC sometimes has snowsuits, boots, shoes, hats, gloves and scarves available. While most gear offered is in youth sizes, adult sizes can also be found.

While not expected, families who use the program may donate to the cause. When children outgrow their winter gear, parents are encouraged to return it if it’s still in good condition.

This program is open to families of all service branches.

The M&FRC is located in Building 600, room A139, and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 384-1517.