'I'm going to grow into it'
BILL BULEY | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 11 months AGO
Malayah Rocha wears her new coat she received at the Lola and Duane Hagadone Boys and Girls Club on Thursday.
BILL BULEY/Press
Liam Munsey enjoys the long sleeves on his new coat he received Thursday at the Boys and Girls Club in Coeur d'Alene, while volunteer Joel Angel looks on.
Volunteer Roger Scarlett helps a girl select a coat at the Boys and Girls Club on Thursday.
Alexandra McGraw is smiles as she wears her new coat on Thursday at the Boys and Girls Club in Coeur d'Alene.
Coats are piled high on tables at the Duane and Lola Hagadone Boys and Girls Club on Thursday
Bill Buley covers the city of Coeur d'Alene for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He has worked here since January 2020, after spending seven years on Kauai as editor-in-chief of The Garden Island newspaper. He enjoys running. | February 18, 2023 1:07 AM
COEUR d’ALENE — Liam Munsey didn't care that the sleeves on his new coat were too long.
He didn't mind that it hung close to his knees.
"I’m going to grow into it," he said, smiling.
The youngster was one of many who received new coats at the Lola and Duane Hagadone Boys and Girls Club on Thursday.
Clothes4Souls and Macy’s partnered to distribute more than 200 new coats. Hundreds of new socks were also given out.
The annual coat giveaway comes to North Idaho thanks to efforts of the late Rick Case and his wife, Rita, who established Boys and Girls Club locations in their home state of Florida and have given much to Coeur d’Alene.
Rita Case, president and CEO of the Rick Case Automotive Group, said it warms her heart to arrange the new coat distribution every year.
"The excitement and happiness as the coats were properly fitted to each child was the best gift for the volunteers," she said.
The coats, DKNY, London Fog and OshKosh B'Gosh, came in different styles and colors. Kids were free to make their selection with help from volunteers like Joan Rock, a former teacher.
"It's good to see the kids and make sure they have what they need," she said.
While some of the coats were too big, volunteer Joel Angel said that was no problem.
"I would be stoked if I was their age," he said. "My brother and I were laughing because we used to always wear stuff that was way too big for us all the time.”
Mark Kuhnhausen, executive director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kootenai County, said with a storm in the forecast, the new coats arrived just in time.
"It’s a good opportunity for the kids," he said. "They feel good about getting new coats."
Kuhnhausen said a shipment of boys coats was delayed, so they will be distributed later.
Lola Hagadone was on hand to watch and help.
"It’s just a joy to be able to give them out,” she said. "The kids are so special and it's wonderful to see so many volunteers out."
Tarryn Davis and friend Delila Bailey happily modeled their new coats.
"I like the pink and hearts," Tarryn said. "Oh, wait. They have a pocket, too."
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