Trich Productions holding third annual Coatz for Kidz drive at Extreme Fun Center

WASILLA — Trich Productions is holding their third annual Khitz Karez Coatz for Kidz winter gear giveaway Friday, Oct. 9 at the Extreme Fun Center.

"With COVID right now, it’s even more important than ever before, so that’s just our number one goal, to keep ‘em warm man,” Trich Productions general manager Coby Romero said.

There are no special conditions to receive a coat, other than being a local student between kindergarten and eighth grade.

Romero said all families are welcome to get their kid a free winter coat and pair of gloves. He noted they will have some larger coats on hand for teens in need, but this annual event is geared toward elementary and middle school children.

“Just bring your kids. This is for anybody and everybody,” Romero said.

This is the second year Trich has partnered with the Fun Center, according to Romero. Each family will get a $20 play card to enjoy with their kids. There will also be free food and drinks available throughout the evening.

He said they also partnered with 6th Avenue Outfitters Co-op in Anchorage who provided a generous discount on this year’s coats. He said they’ve acquired over 850 new coats and gloves to give away this year.

“They really just went over and beyond for us,” Romero said. “They’re the ones who really stepped up to the plate this year… To give the kids a true Alaskan coat from local businesses is just awesome.”

Romero said the idea for annual giveaway came about when his daughter was waiting for the bus on a cold fall day. He said two little girls were huddled together inside one jacket. He said he gave them a jacket and it ended up back on their porch.

“I don’t know if the mom felt like we were trying to give them a handout, or what; but then I went to a couple of our advertisers and I said how I do I make her feel not singled out? And they said let’s give every kid in the Valley a jacket,”

“Each year it’s grown. We include more and more of our advertisers, and more and more community members,” Romero said.

Romero said their Trich volunteers are joined by other local partners like Khitz offering their staff every year for this event.

“100 percent of the time is donated and all the money goes toward gloves and jackets,” Romero said.

Last year, they gave out about 600 to 700 coats and gloves, according to Romero. He said that volunteers ended up shopping at all the retail outlets across the Valley to purchase about 100 additional coats and hats so the remaining kids in line wouldn’t be left out.

“The community really stepped out when we ran out of coats,” Romero said. “It’s our Valley... they understand we have an obligation. This is our community. These our are kids,” Romero said.

All children receiving coats must be present during the event, Oct. 9 at the Extreme Fun Center between 5 and 8 p.m. For more information, call 907-726-3378 or email coby@khitz1071.com

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