Okaloosa Gas donates 300 coats for children in need

Okaloosa Gas District donated over 300 coats to United Way Emerald Coast Wednesday, December 11, during the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast. The donation directly supports United Way’s annual Coats for Kids campaign, which aims to provide a warm coat to every child in need throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties during the holiday season.

NICEVILLE, Fla — Okaloosa Gas District donated over 300 coats to United Way Emerald Coast Wednesday, December 11, during the Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast.

The donation directly supports United Way’s annual Coats for Kids campaign, which aims to provide a warm coat to every child in need throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties during the holiday season.

“Okaloosa Gas District wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our community, customers, and employees. This donation is a small part of our obligation to give back to the communities we serve daily” said Gordon King, CEO, Okaloosa Gas District.

Unseasonably warm temperatures earlier this winter decreased the number of donations usually received by this point in the campaign. The Coats for Kids mission is to share the warmth and ensure every child in Okaloosa and Walton counties who needs a winter coat receives one.

The coats are delivered primarily through school districts, but also churches and other non-profit agencies that work with children.

“For families experiencing financial hardship, a warm coat can be considered a luxury item.  We are grateful for our partners like Okaloosa Gas District, who are driven to help our local community and willing to make a difference,” said Kelly Jasen, CEO, United Way Emerald Coast.

“Thanks to their generous efforts, hundreds of people will receive the gift of warmth this year! We appreciate their community spirit and look forward to distributing this amazing collection of coats on their behalf,” he said.

New or gently-used, clean coat donations are still being accepted at the United Way Emerald Coast office in Fort Walton Beach, or one of the many dropoff locations throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties. For more information, visit united-way.org/coats-for-kids/.