Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

COATS FOR FOLKS

Coats for Folks donation collection open at Salvation Army Kamloops

Oct 15, 2025 | 5:12 PM

KAMLOOPS — The temperatures have taken a noticeable drop in the BC Interior this week and the Salvation Army Kamloops has begun its annual collection of coats and boots for people in need of proper winter gear.

‘Coats for Folks’ is run by the local Salvation Army branch every fall. Community members are encouraged to drop off new or gently used winter coats, hats, boots and gloves to be given out by the program.

“Last year, we had nearly 500 people come through our doors. Families with young children, newcomers to Canada who are experiencing Canada’s winter for the first time, people who are living on the streets — they come in and select a jacket or a hat and mitts, and yes it’s free,” explains Salvation Army Major Tracy Goyak. “They just come in and choose what they want and we lovingly give it to them.”

In particular, the Salvation Army says men’s coats and gloves are in high demand this year. Donation collection has already started and items can be dropped off from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily at the Salvation Army at 344 Poplar Street.

CFJC-TV

Kamloops born-and-raised Dylana Kneeshaw to succeed Bill O'Donovan as CFJC-TV lead anchor

17h ago

TWO & OUT

PETERS: Boyle's supportive housing move is data-driven decision-making gone wrong

22h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: December 11, 2025

Dec 11, 2025

“We’re hoping for a lot,” says Orest Goyak. “We have a lot of demand. This year, there is a lot of demand out there and if we hit a target of 1,000 items, that would be amazing. We’d be able to help a lot of folks.”

For more information, the Salvation Army Kamloops can be reached at 250-554-1611 ext. 200.