Keeping Children Warm in this Pandemic Winter

More than 100 area children bought coats, hats and other winter apparel at Target in Allentown thanks to St. Luke’s University Healthcare’s annual “Coats for Kids” campaign.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, the annual fundraiser was conducted differently from past years. But it was even more successful, says Marie Ann Sutera-Wendells, Marketing Events Leader.

In late fall, St. Luke’s employees donated more than $14,000 to the campaign.

In past years, volunteers would buy coats, hats, scarves and gloves and set-up a “store” at St. Luke’s Education Center in Bethlehem. They would invite families to come and “shop.” This year, families were given vouchers so they could buy the children’s winter apparel themselves at the Target on Cedar Crest Boulevard.

The families bought more than $8,000 worth of apparel in November and December. The money that was not spent was given to St. Luke’s Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), which purchased additional coats and cold weather gear and distributed it to children who needed it.

Donegan Elementary School, the Salvation Army, Fountain Hill Elementary School, the VNA and H.O.P.E. recommended the children who participated.

“During this difficult time in our history, it is comforting to see the empathy and concern St. Lukes’ employees have for such a great cause,”  Sutera-Wendells said. Sutera-Wendells also said that she’s grateful to Target for its participation.