Carbondale Reporter

Saluki Athletics and the City of Carbondale Police Department have once again joined forces for their annual "Coats for Kids" coat drive. This initiative aims to support Southern Illinois families in need during the winter months by collecting new coats for children aged 1-10. The donated coats will be distributed through the Carbondale Police Department Community Christmas Store.

Donations can be made starting November 8 at the men's basketball game against Missouri State S&T, with collection boxes available at both entrances of Banterra Center. Coats can also be dropped off at the Carbondale Police Department and the Carbondale Civic Center lobby until December 8.

In return for their generosity, donors are eligible to receive a free ticket to the men's basketball game on December 7 against Southern Indiana, available at the SIU Ticket Office.

The collection dates coincide with several basketball games:

Men's Basketball:

- November 8 vs Missouri S&T

- November 18 vs North Dakota State

- December 3 vs Bradley

- December 7 vs Southern Indiana

Women's Basketball:

- November 10 vs Eastern Kentucky

- November 13 vs Louisiana at Monroe

- December 2 vs Central Methodist

The Carbondale Police Department Community Christmas Store is organized annually by the department's Victims' Advocate, along with Jackson County Victim's Advocates. It provides gifts and toys at reduced prices to approximately 150 children from underprivileged families in Carbondale.