Economic hardship, loss during pandemic increases need for coats in 2020.
With unemployment rates high due to the pandemic, more residents in San Antonio are in need this holiday season. Five Star Cleaners is working again with KENS 5 and Santikos Theaters, as well as new partner Chris Madrid’s, to encourage residents of the River City to clear out their closets and donate gently used to coats to those less fortunate.
“Food and clothing insecurities are really high right now, and we want to do all we can to assure that residents and families in need can get a coat to keep them warm this winter,” said Five Star Cleaners Co-Owner Sharlene Thum.
Beginning December 26 through January 31, donors can bring in a new or gently used coat anytime to Chris Madrid’s, any of the Five Star Cleaners’ 14 locations, and 7 of the San Antonio Santikos Theaters, and receive 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 for their coat donation.
Coats will be distributed to those less fortunate through SAMMinistries (SAMM), Christian Assistance Ministries (CAM) and Pearl Street Church.
“With the help of KENS 5 and Santikos Theaters, last year we were able to collect 10,000 coats for those in need. It was an incredible act of giving,” said Thum. “And, with a greater need this year, we really want to exceed last year’s goal.”
“Cold Days, Warm Hearts is an incredible program that consistently shows up year after year to assure that those who are less fortunate get a coat to stay warm,” said KENS 5 President and General Manager Tom Cury. “It’s an honor to be a part of the program again this year. San Antonio is a giving community, and we are ready to get the word out to all of our viewers to encourage them to donate.”
For over 37 years, Five Star Cleaners has been working to keep San Antonio warm for the winter through their annual coat drive Cold Days, Warm Hearts. Over 150,000 coats have been collected, repaired and cleaned and provided to local charities and places of worship for distribution to those in need.
“This year has been very hard on a lot of businesses and residents in San Antonio,” said Santikos Theaters Executive Director of Marketing and Sales Andrew Brooks. “It’s in times like these that its paramount to step up and give if you can. It’s what makes us so proud to be able to partner with Five Star Cleaners Cold Days, Warm Heart project again—it truly is a great service to our community.”
New coat drive partner Chris Madrid’s has been a staple in the San Antonio community, and their ability to connect to loyal patrons to serve the greater good of the community is a significant contribution to the coat project.
“It is wonderful to have dedicated partners willing to give back to the community and support our coat project,” said Thum. “It is a program that’s near and dear to my heart. When I am able to give a practically new coat to someone who doesn’t have one, it gives joy and hope. The coat is like a big hug that says everything is going to be okay,” said Thum.
