Assemblyman David G. McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) announced today that his 2008 Coats for Kids campaign was an overwhelming success. More than 2,000 coats were donated and will be distributed to needy children in our community and, in the past five years, over 10,000 coats have been collected.

“I am astounded by the generosity of the individuals and groups that made this year’s campaign such a success,” said McDonough. “Many needy children will be kept warm this winter because of these donations.”

The Coats for Kids campaign is sponsored by the Neighborhood Cleaners Association who collect, clean and distribute thousands of coats each year. The campaign was started in September by Chairperson Arthur Epstein, of Randi’s Cleaners, and ran through the holiday season.

McDonough’s district office received many contributions, as well as coordinating collection efforts from the following schools and organizations: Norman J. Levy Lakeside Elementary School, Merrick; Chatterton Elementary School, Merrick; the fifth and sixth grade classes of Shaarei Shalom, Bellmore; Division Avenue High School S.A.D.D. chapter, Levittown; MacArthur High School Key Club, Levittown; Northside Elementary School, Levittown; Abbey Lane Elementary School, Levittown; Summit Lane Elementary School, Levittown; Girl Scout Troop 2506, Merrick; Girl Scout Troop 3388, Levittown; Brownie Troop 3635 of Levittown; BarnumWoods Elementary School, East Meadow; the Giggle Patch Preschool, Wantagh; and the Mandalay Elementary School, Wantagh.

“The children from the schools and organizations showed the true spirit of the holiday season and the true meaning of community,” said McDonough. “I want to thank everyone for their efforts by helping their less fortunate neighbors.”