PrimeLending hosting 4th annual coat drive with Salvation Army and local businesses

WASILLA — PrimeLending’s Wasilla office is hosting their third annual Pumpkin Patch Coat Drive with the Salvation Army and community partners Oct. 21, collecting coats and monetary donations to help individuals and families in need across the Mat-Su Valley this winter.

Throughout the day, locals will have the chance to pick out pumpkins in exchange for a brand new coat or a $10 (or more) monetary donation. All the event proceeds and donated coats go to the Mat-Su Salvation Army who distributes them to local families in need, using donated funds to purchase additional coats and winter gear during the holiday season.

According to Wasilla PrimeLending Loan Originator, Cherish Williams, they will have plenty of plump pumpkins to choose from. She said this year’s pumpkins were provided by PrimeLending, Signature Real Estate, Stewart Title, and State Farm’s Allie Hewitt.

The event runs from 3 to 6:30 p.m. with a local food truck parked onsite in addition to free refreshments provided by State Farm.

Aside from coats, hats, gloves, snowsuits, and even blankets can also be encouraged, especially those for children. Williams said they’ve received a growing amount of community support over the years.

“We had people donate quite a bit in the past, so we’re just looking forward to continuing to support the Salvation Army, especially this year, getting some warm coats for kids and adults and all of the above,” Williams said. “We had quite a few people donate up to 10, 15 coats and take two pumpkins. We will happily take other warm clothing items.

Williams said that she’s encouraged by the community donations as well as the local businesses coming together to help locals in need stay a lot warmer and a lot happier, all while getting in the holiday spirit.

“This year, winter has come on fast and early,” Williams said. “I look forward to the fact that it gives another opportunity for parents with young kids who never get to experience a pumpkin patch,” Williams said.

PrimeLending’s Wasilla office is located at 901 North Leatherleaf Loop, Suite 102, just outside the downtown area off Bogard Road.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com