Five Star Cleaners, KENS 5, Santikos Theaters, Chris Madrid’s are grateful for customers’ generosity during 2020 Cold Days, Warm Hearts Winter Coat Project
Over 5,000 coats were delivered to SAMM, CAM, Pearl Street Church, Church Under the Bridge Ministry and Haven for Hope, some just in time for one of Texas’ record cold spells, an unexpected blessing that has all four coat drive partners grateful for San Antonians’ generosity.
“It was divine intervention, for sure,” said Sharlene Thum, Five Star Cleaners co-owner. “We are in our 37th year of hosting this coat drive, and our first coat drive during a pandemic. We weren’t sure how many coats we would be able to collect due to the economic hardship caused by the pandemic. But once again, San Antonians showed their generosity in a big way.”
Five Star Cleaners, KENS 5, Santikos Theaters, and Chris Madrid’s began collecting coats at their locations on December 26. Donors who brought in a new or gently used coat received a token for their generosity that included a free Santikos popcorn and 30-minute game card, a $5 Chris Madrid’s coupon good for dining in or to-go, and a $5 Five Star Cleaners gift certificate.
The need was huge this year, and San Antonians showed up with open hearts and huge desire to serve,” said Thum. “I am so proud to be a resident of this city. Food and clothing insecurities are really high right now, and through the hard work of our partners and the generosity of so many San Antonians we were able to residents warm when they needed it the most.”
Coats were distributed to those less fortunate through SAMMinistries (SAMM), Christian Assistance Ministries (CAM) and Pearl Street Church, as well as Church Under the Bridge Ministry and Haven for Hope.
It was the first year for iconic Alamo City restaurant Chris Madrid’s to participate in the Cold Days, Warm Hearts Coat Project and their customers showed up in force. “Chris always looked for ways to love on our community,” said Richard Peacock, Chris Madrid’s owner. “With this effort, we had a chance to encourage our patrons to partner with us in that worthy mission. With almost 1,000 coats donated, I think it’s safe to say they responded in a big way.”
For over 37 years, Five Star Cleaners has been working to keep San Antonio warm for the winter through its annual coat drive Cold Days, Warm Hearts. Over 170,000 coats have been collected, repaired and cleaned and provided to local charities and places of worship for distribution to those in need.
“KENS 5 is proud to be a part of Cold Days, Warm Hearts – a community initiative whose values of putting people first are in line with the values of KENS 5. We want to thank San Antonio residents for their generosity, especially our viewers who consistently step up to help their neighbors in times of need,” said KENS 5 President and General Manager Tom Cury.
“This coat drive could not have come at a more opportune time to help those in need. We are humbled to partner with these other amazing businesses as we work to lift up our community,” said Santikos Theaters Executive Director of Marketing and Sales Andrew Brooks.
