YAKIMA, Wash. – As temperatures drop, Stein’s Ace Hardware is stepping up to keep the community warm by participating in NonStop Local’s annual Coats for Kids drive.
Stein’s Ace Hardware has partnered with NonStop Local for the past five years, contributing more than 200 coats in 2024. The goal is to collect even more this season to help children in Yakima County.
“Just to think that there’s a kid outside that can’t stay warm is really heartbreaking. So, we want to make sure every kid stays warm in Yakima County,” said store co-owner Kami Allen.
The need for warmth increases as winter approaches. Allen emphasized that simply asking the community to donate coats wasn’t enough.
“We don’t want any kids to go without a jacket, so I think that’s a basic need that should be met,” she said.
Allen explained their initiative to donate one coat per employee, contributing between 26 to 30 coats each year.
“We ask our community to bring coats in and for asking our community, we also need to step up as a community member. So, we thought it would be great to donate one coat per employee. So, we donate 26 to 30 coats every year,” said Allen.
Steel technician Leonard Kimbel, who has been with Stein’s since Allen and her husband took over, shared his enthusiasm for the cause.
“It’s cool to take and see how many coats we actually get and be able to take and keep kids warm for the year. All these kids are going to stay warm and have a nice coat and not have to worry about being warm and cold,” said Kimbel.
In addition to the coat drive, Steins Ace Hardware has brought back the “Giving Tree” this year. The tree features the age and preferred gifts of local children, partnering with OIC, aiming to distribute 2,500 presents.
“The first day, we had a lot of takes taken off. We had ten presents back the next day. So, the response has been really big, and we just have a lot of people that want to help out in the community, which is really heartwarming,” said a store representative.
Coats can be dropped off at Steins Ace Hardware until December 12. They accept coats of any size, new or gently used. The list of other drop-off locations can be found here.
