A Bit of History
Four years ago in early November, Mobile Edge ran its first Coats For Kids drive. We made arrangements to have donated coats distributed locally in Carbon and neighboring counties. We had hoped to collect a few dozen coats. Were we in for a surprise! By the end of January, we had collected close to 200 coats. We realized that we were on to something sweet! In 2010, we ran the promotion again and collected nearly 300. In 2011 and 2012, we collected more than 300! In addition, we collected dozens of beanies, scarves and gloves.
What Is Coats For Kids?
As the owner of Mobile Edge for nearly 20 years, I’ve always said that I’ve never once sold something that people actually need. Not one single time (let’s face it, neither has Apple). I sell products that people want … things that make them happy and things that make life more comfortable and convenient. One of the truest examples of this is remote car starters.
We sell a lot of remote car starters! Good economy or bad economy… it doesn’t matter. It stands to reason that if someone cares that much about staying warm, they must have some outdated children’s coats or know someone who does.
We decided to tie these things together. Bring us a new or gently used child’s coat and we will give you up to $50 off the cost of a new remote car starter! There is no catch. No hidden agenda. You have something that can help other people (coats). We have really great car starters that will keep you warm and comfortable, and a means of distributing your coats to children who need them. Everybody wins! You save money and make some room in your closet. We get to make another happy customer and a child somewhere in our area will be warmer this winter. Think about it … it make sense to me!
“I Really Don’t Want a Remote Starter”
No problem. We will happily take all of your unwanted coats, beanies, gloves and scarves. It might be 17 degrees out the day you drop them off, but I promise you will leave our shop feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!
Help Us Reach Our Goal!
Our goal this year is a lofty one: We want to collect 500 coats. Plain and simple. If you are reading this and are in Carbon or surrounding counties, why not share this on your Twitter feed or Facebook wall? We’re making it simple for you to make a difference in local children’s lives. Spread the word!
Making a Difference Across the Nation
One of the really exciting things that has happened as a result of our Coats For Kids campaign is that other shops throughout the country have run similar promos in their markets. What was created here in Lehighton, PA, a few years back is keeping kids warm in cities and town all over the US! Shops in Indiana, Virginia, Arizona, Maryland and California (to mention a few) have contacted us for support on running their own local campaigns.
What a wonderful and thoughtful idea. It toes in beautifully to the service you provide. Does the coat drive last all winter? How do you decide where and whom to distribute to?
Thank you for what you do.
~Tammy
I meant ties in..lol