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After almost 30 years helping the community, Dun-Rite Cleaners will resume its Coats for Kids drive in November.

In 1992, the idea for the campaign began at the annual meeting of the North Carolina Association of Launderers and Cleaners. Since then, Dun-Rite has collected and distributed more than 80,000 coats to children in the community. Last year, the business distributed 2,600 coats.

The coats are each cleaned before they are sent to organizations in the county who distribute them to children.

In addition to distributing coats to children in Stanly, Dun-Rite also works with agencies throughout the state to help people impacted by natural disasters. Last year, coats were sent to Matthews to help people impacted by floods. In 2018, coats were sent east of Stanly to help hurricane survivors.

From Nov. 1 through the end of the month, gently used coats, size infant to adult, can be dropped at Dun-Rite’s headquarters at 1223 Pee Dee Ave., Albemarle, or at its office in western Stanly at 1808 W. Main Plaza, Locust. Hours are 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at both locations.

Pinnacle Bank has also agreed to collect coats at its Albemarle location.

“Pinnacle Bank associates strongly believe that supporting quality of life initiatives helps build stronger communities,” said David Smith, senior vice president and area manager at Pinnacle Bank in Albemarle.

Mark Dry, owner and president of Dun-Rite Cleaners, said people have already come to both locations to drop off coats.

The coats should be distributed to children in December, Dry said.

“Our commitment to give back to the community has always been one of our top priorities,” said Dry. “In this economic crisis, it’s a great feeling to know that you have helped someone in need.”