ANNA, Ill (WSIL) -- As the cooler temperatures remind us winter is on its way, WIBH Radio in Anna has kicked off its 14th annual New Coats, New Hope Campaign. This initiative aims to provide new winter coats to children aged 3 to 16 across the lower 45 counties of Illinois. Partnering with local agencies and businesses, the campaign focuses on helping children impacted by abuse, neglect, disaster, and family need.
WIBH detailed in a statement, in ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois, nearly 20% of children live in poverty, compared to the statewide average of 16%. For many families in the region, a warm coat is an essential, but sometimes unaffordable necessity during the colder months.
“We are fortunate to live in a community that cares about the needs of others,â€� said Moury Bass, co-owner of WIBH. “That’s why we are using the voice of WIBH radio to let our listeners know that there are children in ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Illinois who need warm coats for the upcoming winter."
Since the campaign’s inception, WIBH has raised over $78,000 and provided more than 4,000 new coats to children in need. Coats are purchased through the national nonprofit Operation Warm, which creates high-quality, brand-new coats for kids in need across the U.S. The organization believes a coat can do more than just provide warmth, as it can also boost self-esteem, school attendance and outdoor playtime.
The 2024 goal for the New Coats, New Hope Campaign is to raise funds for 500 coats. Each coat costs just $20, and any monetary contribution, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated. The deadline for donations is December 20, 2024.
Donations can be made via check or money order payable to Operation Warm and sent to:
WIBH Radio
Attn: Moury Bass
330 South Main Street
Anna, IL 62906
You can also donate online at . Postal Pal in Anna has donated the shipping costs for the coats, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to purchasing coats for children.
Once purchased, the coats will be distributed to families through the following organizations:
- Arrowleaf in Vienna
- Children’s Medical and Mental Health Resource Network (CMMHRN) in Anna
- Rural Health, Inc. in Anna
- All ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý 7 Head Start locations
No paperwork or proof of income is required for families to receive a coat. Coats will be available while supplies last.
Several local businesses are also playing a vital role in supporting the campaign. Shawnee Mass Transit District in Vienna and Anna will help deliver the coats to distribution sites, while T&I Office Equipment in Anna is donating the printing of flyers for outreach efforts. Anyone interested in distributing flyers can contact Moury Bass at WIBH for pickup or delivery.
A new coat can mean more than just warmth—it brings a sense of hope and confidence to children in need. Operation Warm’s mission aligns with WIBH’s goal to ensure that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, can face the winter with warmth and dignity.
For more information, or to request a coat for a child, contact Moury Bass at WIBH at 618-833-9424 or Shawnna Rhine at ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý 7 Head Start at 618-634-2297. Further details can also be found on the WIBH New Coats, New Hope Campaign Facebook page.
To learn more about Operation Warm and its mission, you can visit their .
