DENVER -- Dependable Cleaners and Denver's 7 kicked off the 25th annual Coats for Colorado Campaign on Oct. 1.

Coats for Colorado will accept donated new and gently used coats through Nov. 30 at more than 30 Dependable Cleaners locations in the metro area or at upcoming special collection events.

Colorado and Denver leaders from the past 25 years, including Gov. Bill Owens, Mayor John Hickenlooper, Former Gov. Richard Lamm and Former Mayor Wellington Webb, rallied together this year to help commemorate the 25th Anniversary. Each has pledged his support and challenged Coloradans to get involved.

"Support of past city and state leaders proves the significance of this drive and its contribution to the community," said Steven Toltz, president of Dependable Cleaners.

Coats for Colorado is the state's largest coat drive and is believed to be the nation's largest per capita coat drive. Last year, Dependable Cleaners and Denver's 7 donated more than 77,000 coats to people and non-profit organizations in need. Since the program's inception in 1982, over 1.5 million coats have been distributed.

"No child or adult should have to endure a Colorado winter without a coat to keep them warm," added Toltz. "Every coat helps those in need and we appreciate each and every donation and the time given by our volunteers. All of the efforts in support of Coats for Colorado continue to greatly benefit local charitable organizations, individuals and families."

Coloradans can help make the 2006 Coats for Colorado campaign a success by donating new and gently used coats between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30. Businesses, schools and community organizations can get involved by setting up coat collection drives for employees. There are also volunteer opportunities for both individuals and businesses.

Collection Kicks Off

To kick off this year’s campaign, a collection event was held on Friday, Oct. 6 at the Denver's 7 studios, located at the intersection of Speer Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. 7News personalities and Dependable Cleaners' volunteers were on hand from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accept donations.

In addition to the kick-off, Coats for Colorado will host two other collection events.

The first was Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Highlands Ranch Town Center (located at Lucent and Highlands Ranch Parkway).

The second collection event is Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the valet parking area of FlatIron Crossing Mall in Broomfield.

The coats are distributed to recipients in need through nonprofit and public distributions, which take place at the Dependable Cleaners warehouse on 1701 S. Broadway.

Distribution to the public, open to anyone in need of a coat, will be held on Nov. 18 and Dec. 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Non-profit distributions to charitable organizations are by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 303-777-2673, ext. 31.

Coats for Colorado Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer-based subsidiary of Dependable Cleaners that distributes winter coats to Coloradans in need. Dependable Cleaners and Denver's 7 (KMGH-TV) have partnered to expand and increase the reach of Coats for Colorado.

For more information on Coats for Colorado visit CoatsforColorado.org. For volunteering information, contact Patti Kingsbury at 303-777-2673, ext. 31.