The Coats for Kids campaign officially kicked off on Monday, Sept. 25 at Randi Cleaners on Jericho Turnpike in Mineola. The campaign, sponsored by the National Cleaners Association, an organization comprised of 4,000 cleaners, attempts to give clean winter coats to needy children.

Arthur Epstein of Randi Cleaners, who is chairperson for the New York/Long Island area, held a ceremony to recognize all the participants who will be instrumental in the campaign.

From now until the end of the year, residents can drop off coats that are in decent condition to Randi Cleaners as well as other participating cleaners. The stores will clean them free of charge and distribute them to needy children in the area as well as participating agencies.

Epstein, who has been with the program since its start 16 years ago, said his store alone collected 1,500 coats last year and he hopes to double that amount this year.

The reason there may be more coats donated this year is because Epstein has enlisted help from various organizations. The Village of Mineola with the help of Deputy Village Clerk Teri Ranfone and Mayor John P. Colbert will be collecting coats for the elderly at village hall. Also, the Mineola Chamber of Commerce with the help of Chamber President Manny DeFreitas will be lending a hand as will the East Williston Public School District, the Knights of Pythias, Boy Scout Troop #45, the Mineola School District, the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Mineola Volunteer Fire Department, Rotary Club of Garden City and Mineola, JC Penney department stores, Lord & Taylor department stores and Macy's.

"We who are the more fortunate need to give something back," said Epstein as he asked residents to donate any coats they have to help those who may need them.

Helping Epstein kickoff the campaign was Mineola resident and United States Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who also helped to spread the message of the importance of making a donation. "Here we are in Nassau County and we have so many of our young children who don't have coats to wear in the winter," she said. "We know in Mineola that we are a caring community."

Former Mineola Mayor and current Receiver of Taxes for the Town of North Hempstead, Ann Galante, presented a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the town to Epstein and congratulated him on his wonderful work to benefit those less fortunate.

Representing the Village of Mineola were Deputy Mayor Lou Santosus and trustees Linda Fairgrieve and Elizabeth Conlon. Mayor Colbert is still recovering from illness and could not attend nor could trustee Maryanne Warnecke.

"On behalf of the board, I wish you much success," Santosus told Epstein. "We are very proud that the epicenter of this program is right here in Mineola."

Also in attendance to lend support to the program was Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello.

Epstein thanked his wife and daughter for helping him get organized. Hopefully, through the efforts of this Mineola businessman and his supports, thousands of children will be provided with warmth this winter.

Donations of coats can now be made to Randi Cleaners at 300 Jericho Turnpike and the corner of Marcellus Road. If you have any questions, call 746-0823.