Primelending hosting third annual coat drive, offering locals chance to donate coats or donations in exchange for pumpkins

WASILLA — Primelending staff are partnering with Allie in the Valley, Allie in the Valley, Yukon Title, and Signature Real Estate to put on their third annual Pumpkin Patch Coat Drive Oct. 23 at Primelending’s office located off North Leatherleaf Loop.

“Something we did as a fluke thing a few years ago, who would’ve thought it would keep going,” Primelending loan originator Cherish Williams said. “I’m excited that it’s something that’s become an annual event.”

Throughout the afternoon, locals will have the chance to pick out pumpkins in exchange for a brand new coat or 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.

“They’re just so excited,” Williams said.

The Salvation Army received 202 coats and $220 at last year’s drive, according to Williams. She said they went through four pallets of pumpkins, with just 12 left. Williams said they donate leftover pumpkins to the Salvation Army who distributes them to food banks to “surprise people with a fresh pumpkin.”

She said there will be four pallets again this year. She noted that people can simply donate a coat or monetary amount anytime during the event or days leading up to it without picking out a pumpkin.

“We’re all about culture and all about community; just to be— especially with COVID and all the craziness, knowing there’s got to be a lot of people in our community that are hurting and looking— to be that middle person… To be able to have that opportunity for everyone to come together and do stuff for the kids in the community is huge. It’s just what we do,” Williams said.

There will be three different food trucks parked at the coat drive, including Waffles and Whatnot. For more information, call 907-205-3439.

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