About
Started in the late 1990s by Cathy’s anonymous donation of three sets of coats, gloves, and scarves to several needy children in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Eladio Ruiz made the decision to revive Cathy’s warm tradition in 2010. Cathy’s Kids gathers brand new winter coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for children in need.
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How it Works
Guidance Counselors in Perth Amboy NJ identify children in need of winter coats. *Over time, the program has grown to include schools in Woodbridge, Edison, and Newark.
Those who are interested in donating contact CathysKidsNJ@gmail.com.
Some of our donors choose to give one item, or multiple items, on their own, while others choose to become Team Captains.
Team Captains are responsible for the donation of at least 10 coats. Most Team Captains solicit the help of family members, coworkers and friends.
In 2013, a number of individuals who had previously been members of teams took on roles as Captains. So we decided to promote some of our Captains to Group Leaders! Group Leaders are those who have Captains under them. The Captain collects from his or her team and then the Leader is responsible for collection from their entire Group.
Whether you choose to donate on your own or to form a team, you will be provided with the age and gender of the child or children you are purchasing for.
Cathy’s Kids asks that you donate a new coat and if possible hat, scarf and gloves to each child.
As we draw closer to the December delivery, we identify a location where the coats can be brought and stored.
Volunteers from Cathy’s Kids then deliver the coats directly to the children at school.