This year, THOUSANDS of children in the Greater Cincinnati area will go without the warmth of a winter coat.  In many cases, children will skip school when the weather turns frigid because they must make the heartbreaking decision to either walk to school without a coat or stay warm at home.  No child should have to make that decision!

 

The Karen Carns Foundation provides NEW coats to children in need, helping improve self-confidence, school attendance, and overall wellness—because we believe a new winter coat can provide more than just warmth!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Story:   In the fall of 1991, Tom Carns received an unexpected bonus from work. He and his wife  Karen saw this as an opportunity to teach their children about the true meaning of Christmas. 

Using this bonus, the family purchased new coats for the Saint Vincent DePaul Society to distribute. The children selected coats for other children who wore their same size, personalizing this giving experience. This was a quiet annual family event until 1998 when the Cincinnati Enquirer ran an article about the family’s project. At that point, more people wanted to contribute to the coat fund and it became known as "Carns's Coats for Kids." 

From this small beginning, "Karen Carns Foundation's Coats For Kids" has purchased over 21,000 brand new children's coats.   Last year, the Karen Carns Foundation provided over 1500 new coats, and we are hoping to provide even more this year with your help!

 

In the past we have provided new coats through these agencies and schools:

 

Corryville Catholic Elementary School
Rockdale Academy
Norwood Schools
Mt. Washington Schools
Talbert House
Operation Give Back
Rees E. Price School
North College Hill Schools
Winton Woods Elementary
Mt. Healthy Schools
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Social Services
St. Susanna Schuh Center

 

Want to help? 

Due to health regulations, we are unable to accept donations of new or used coats. However, monetary donations are always welcome. Just click on our “Donate” button.  Or,mail a check to Karen Carns Foundation, 4600 N. Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason, OH 45040, and indicate “coats” in the memo line. Thank you! 

To request help from the Carns' Coats for Kids program, please complete the downloadable form and mail or email to Courtney Stables at clstables@karencarnsfoundation.org.