WIBH Radio wraps up successful coat campaign for 2019

When it comes to helping Southern Illinois kids in need, one local radio station has it all wrapped up.  

On Dec. 13, WIBH Radio in Anna concluded its annual coat campaign and surpassed its goal for the year.

Through monetary donations, the 2019 WIBH New Coats, New Hope Campaign raised over $6,000 to purchase more than 300 new, winter coats for kids in need in Southern Illinois.  The goal was 200 coats.  

Postal Pal in Anna covered the cost of shipping, which allowed 100 percent of the donations to be used only for coats.  

“We want to thank everyone who contributed to the New Coats, New Hope Campaign,” WIBH Radio co-owner Moury Bass said.

“We continue to be amazed at the generosity of our listeners. We look forward to continuing this beneficial campaign for many years to come.”

Since 2011, WIBH has partnered with local agencies in this effort. 

 This year, the Children’s Medical and Mental Health Resource Network, CMMHRN, Family Counseling Center and Southern Seven Head Start locations were involved.  

Over the years, more than $37,000 has been raised and more than 2,100 coats have been purchased. Each year, the coats are ordered through the nonprofit organization Operation Warm. 

Those involved in the campaign said that it is estimated that 20 percent of Southern Illinois children live in poverty and a warm coat is an essential item for each of them.  

A new coat promotes self-esteem, school attendance, outdoor play and gives parents and children a sense of security.  

The coats are scheduled to arrive in early January.  Shawnee Mass Transit District in Vienna plans to help deliver the coats to their destinations.  

Coats will then be distributed through partnering agencies to children ages 3 to 16 living in the lower 45 counties in Illinois who have been affected by abuse, neglect, disaster and family need. No paperwork or proof of income is required to receive a coat.  

Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that creates brand new, high-quality coats for children in need. 

The organization partners with compassionate individuals and organizations across North America to give a gift of warmth, confidence and hope to millions of children in need. 

For more information, or to request a coat for a child in need, contact Moury Bass at WIBH at 833-9424 or Shawnna Rhine at Southern Seven Health Department at 618-634-2297, extension 161; or visit the WIBH New Coats, New Hope Campaign on Facebook. To learn more about Operation warm, visit operationwarm.org.