‘Coats for Kids’ has coat giveway for needy Sat. Nov 24

This aging photograph, taken by and published in the Niagara Gazette, was used in an early promotion of Coats for Kids. The child was a needy recipient of a coat years ago. Does anyone know who she is or where she is now?

Joe Petrozzi stands in front of a few of the coats he will donate Sat. Nov. 24

Need a coat or gloves or a hat?

It is important to note for those, especially children, who have not a coat or a cloak, a hat or gloves to face this winter with, that there is Joseph Petrozzi and his son, Russ who are the founders of Coats for Kids, who make a point that no one in their town shall be without such garb.

And when I say they were the founders of Coats For Kids, I don’t mean just here in Niagara Falls, I mean all across the eastern United States.

Joe founded it, but Russ should get some credit too. The very first coat that ever went to a shivering child, was one of 10-year-old Russ’s old coats.

Since then Coats for Kids has grown immensely and Russ does plenty, maybe most of the work.

But here’s the point.

It started back in 1966. And a few coats given away at their Capitol Cleaners store on Main Street. In a few years, it expanded to become famous for giving thousands of coat - and then hundreds of thousands, as it expanded in other cities and states, encouraged by Joe’s leadership as president of the local chapter of the National Dry Cleaners Association.
In Western New York, please take note: Coats for Kids will be distributing coats and warm clothing on Saturday November 24th, from 10 to 2 at Capitol Cleaners.

People who needs coats, gloves, hats or sweaters can come to the Portage Road side of Capitol Cleaners and get them free.

Through this store alone they give away 5,000 coats a year. Throughout Western New York, 20,000 coats are given away through Coats for Kids.
Funny too, this costs taxpayers nothing. Can you imagine if this were a government program, how much it would cost to give away 5,000 coats?
Joe, Russ and thousands of good people who donate coats pay for it. Capitol Cleaners dry cleans every coat.

Who qualifies for a coat, you ask?

Anyone. There is no qualification process. You won’t go through some government screening process. You won’t be asked to give your age, race or proof of “no income.” The Petrozzi do things on honor. If you say you need a coat, they take you at your word. You come from anywhere. You need a coat, you get one. Courtesy of businessmen, and the people of Niagara Falls.

In a town described as broken and in need of charity itself, and more and more government aid, and more craven weakness and dependency, a man and his family-owned business made it a point of honor that, in their town, no child or for that matter any poor man or woman, will go without a coat, or gloves or a decent hat. This kind of charity, by people like Joe and Russ, aided by their faithful employees Rob Lunney and Margot Fritton, and the thousands who gave their coats, is the true spirit of America.

And proves in some way Niagara Falls, New York, is more than alive; it is well.