Private 1st Class Jonathan W. Paxson, 153rd Military Police Company, stacks and folds the numerous coats. Hundreds of jackets, parkas, trench coats and other outerwear were donated by soldiers and the community to the 'Coats for Kids' charity on Saturday, November 17.

The Delaware National Guard opened 12 of its Readiness Centers throughout the state as collection points for its 2nd Annual Coats for Kids campaign On Saturday & Sunday, November 17th & 18th, 2001.

"Last year your Delaware Guard collected more than 500 coats and helped distribute them locally to those in need of a warm winter coat," said Command Sgt. Maj. James Vavala, co-organizer of the drive.

Hundreds of soldiers and citizens contributed extra coats of all sizes, not just for children but all those in need. Lt. Col. Gil Nichols, also a co-organizer, said that organization will take it the coats "and that (they are) put to good use."

Collection points operated from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. on November 17th & 18th only at selected Delaware National Guard Readiness Center locations.

Due to increased security requirements, there were many questions about the feasibility of conducting the drive this year, said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, adjutant general of the Delaware National Guard. "But with all that’s going on in our country right now, its even more important that we remember those right here in Delaware who could use a little help this winter," he explained.