FARMINGTON — Anyone with a gently-worn coat is invited to drop it off at Franklin Savings Bank during the Chester Greenwood Day parade, which starts at 11 a.m. Dec. 6.

Bank staff will serve hot chocolate and popcorn outside the bank while collecting coats. Franklin Savings Bank, through the Maine Bankers Association, is sponsoring Coats for Kids Day throughout Maine. After the parade, a collection box will be available in the lobby of the Farmington branch. 

Collection boxes will be at Franklin Savings Bank locations in Jay, Rangeley, Skowhegan, Rumford and Wilton, as well as Western Mountain Financial Services on Front Street in Farmington through Dec. 31.

All the coats collected are sent to Portland for cleaning. The Salvation Army distributes them throughout the state to needy families.

“We are thrilled to be able to participate in this great cause and having the kickoff during Chester Greenwood Day makes it all the more festive,” said Anna Lyon, marketing director at Franklin Savings Bank and member of the Maine Bankers Association Marketing Committee.

“Kids grow so quickly that families often find they have perfectly good coats that no longer fit. Meanwhile, other families find that same ‘quick growth’ makes it difficult to keep their kids in warm, properly fitting coats. This is a perfect opportunity for us all to work together to keep kids warm,” she said.

This is the fourth year Franklin Savings Bank, as a member of the Maine Bankers Association, has sponsored Coats for Kids Day.

Last year, the 20 member banks collected 1,801 coats plus bags of homemade socks and mittens, infant snowsuits, scarves, sweatshirts, boots, hats and ski pants. Franklin Savings Bank brought in 163 coats.

“It was very touching to see the many coats come in. A surprising number of people donated brand new coats to the cause,” Lyon said. “We’ve already seen bags of coats come down from our Rangeley branch, where the spirit to give seems to go on year-round.”