After nearly 30 years and collecting more than 78,000 coats, Mark Dry still gets excited about helping the community stay warm.

The 28th Annual Coats For Kids drive kicked off Nov. 1 for Dun-Rite Cleaners and Dry, its owner.

“It’s amazing the people who don’t even have any coats to give,” Dry said. “They’ll go out and buy coats to donate to this program. That’s what it’s all about.”

Dry said many people do not have a coat because of the expense. But after several years in the cleaning business and with “people who know those in need,” Dry considers this campaign as a responsibility to the community.

Last year coats were sent east of Stanly to help hurricane survivors. This year, coats will be cleaned and given to local individuals in need of one.

The idea for the campaign began decades ago at the annual meeting of the North Carolina Association of Launderers and Cleaners. Members were looking for a way of how dry cleaners could become more involved in their communities, Dry said.

“A lot of these make really good Christmas gifts for kids who don’t have one,” Dry said.

Through Nov. 30, new and 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.

“We really enjoy doing this program,” Dry said. “We really like giving back to the community.”

Have a story idea? Contact B.J. Drye at 704-982-2123, bj.drye@stanlynews press.com or follow bjdrye1 on Twitter.