Matt's Coats for Kids campaign in fourth year

Matt's Coats for Kids campaign in fourth year

As a way to honor her son, Matthew Fitton, who lost his life in a car accident in August 2003 when he was 20-years-old, his mother and his friends have been running "Matt's Coats for Kids" to collect and distribute coats to children in need.

"Matt was always ready with a smile or a hug and he had such a need to share and help others. That's why we knew he would be happy that his memory is being kept alive through this campaign," his mother, Karen Leidig, said.

The coat collection is in its fourth year and many churches, community organizations and businesses have joined the mission, Leidig said.

"Matt's Coats for Kids" has helped to distribute more than 1,000 coats donated by members of our communities to children in need for the winter months. "Please help us keep Matt's memory with us by dropping off your gently used or new items of winter outerwear and help keep our local kids warm this year," the website requests.

Coats are being collected and will be distributed from noon to 5 p.m. on November 23 and 24 at the Brockport Elks Lodge, 440 Sweden Walker Road, Brockport.