ASHEVILLE, N.C., Oct. 25, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lawson Chiropractic is holding its 11th annual Coats 4 Kids collection during the month of November. The collection will take place in the Asheville office of Drs. Kenton Lawson and Sara Lawson.
Approximately 18.5 percent of the Asheville population is comprised of persons under 18 years of age. The most recent census data estimates that 20 percent of Asheville's residents live below the poverty level, which is higher than the rest of North Carolina on average. For these families, meeting the daily needs of food, clothing and shelter can present a challenge. Seasonal expenses, such as proper winter coats for the children, can present a true hardship for these families.
According to Dr. Sara Lawson, "We started this program over a decade ago because we saw a real need in our community. You never want to see young children without coats waiting for the bus in the dead of winter. You know that their parents want to provide the best they can for their children, but sometimes have to prioritize rent or food over the cost of a good coat."
Dr. Kenton Lawson agrees, "Absolutely. We would see these kids, cold, in the middle of January, and think that there has to be something we could do. From there we organized our first coat drive and haven't looked back."
The Lawson Chiropractic Coats 4 Kids drive collects new children’s coats sizes 4T through 14. Patients and community members can drop coats off during office hours. Alternately, donors can stop by the office and choose a particular child to sponsor. The Lawsons have worked with many local elementary schools in the past. This year they have chosen the Boys and Girls Club to be the beneficiary of their Coats 4 Kids drive and will obtain winter wishlists from their participant population. The Drs. Lawson then use the list and donations to match children with appropriate winter coats. "We are always happy to receive any donation," states Dr. Sara Lawson, "but sometimes we get down to the end of the list and are in the position of returning some coats in order to get the sizes we still need. When donors choose a particular child to sponsor then we are assured of having a coat that will work for them."
Lawson Chiropractic is located in South Asheville, off Hendersonville Road just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the Nettlewood Professional Park. Donations will be accepted during normal office hours, Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 12 Noon and 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Fridays from 7 AM to 12 Noon. Call the office at 828-274-8880 with any questions.
Lawson Chiropractic, (828) 274-8880
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/3702140.html