Only about a week left to donate to local coat drive

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — For the seventh year in a row, the non-profit, 'Believing in Forever Inc.' is in the process of collecting around 2,500 brand-new coats for kids in need.

Founder and Director, Devine Carama, says it hasn't been easy operating in a pandemic, but he knows it will be worth it when the kids get their coats.

"Even though we knew it would be tough this year. We felt this was a year we had to push through and be a resource for families in need, and it's all coming together so far," said Carama.

Because of the pandemic, he's made some big changes to the way he runs the coat drive. He always gives out brand new coats, but usually, most of his requests come through schools but with in-person classes not in session this year most of the requests are coming from individual families, which means more deliveries will need to be made.

"Even though our numbers are about the same. Usually, about 80 percent of our requests come from schools and not from families, and sometimes family resource centers. So even though our numbers are about the same we are seeing a greater need from the community at large," said Carama.

With the pandemic, more families have also found themselves in need this year, and unable to give. He's confident he'll meet his goal, but with about one week left he's still in need of about 1,000 more coats.

"At this point, it's in God's hands and we just need people to spread the word," said Carama.

If you want to get involved though there is still plenty of time. Donations can be made online electronically via Cash App to $BelievingInForever or Venmo to BelievinginForever or Paypal to 859-303-2637.

Checks or brand-new coats can be shipped or dropped off at 209 Castlewood Drive, Lexington, KY 40505.

They are open Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (text 859-303-2637 when you arrive though because doors may be locked).