Coats for the Children telethon kicks off Friday

Less than two weeks before Christmas, Paige Bagwell is making the rounds. She's picking up toys collected during Salvation Army toy drives.

“It's hit or miss,” Bagwell said. “Some are 20, some are 10, some are none.”

Coats for the Children (page redirects to Salvation Army)

Still, the need is great.

For 25 years, WRAL has teamed up with The Salvation Army for the annual Coats for the Children Campaign. The big telethon kicks off at 6 a.m. Friday, with special coverage at 1 p.m., 7 p.m. and after the 11 p.m. news.

There are more than 8,700 children in Wake County who rely on the campaign. The primary goal is to collect warm winter clothes for needy families, but another important part is collecting new toys.

“We want children to have winter clothing. We want them to be warm this winter. But we also want them to have that moment on Christmas morning where Santa has come,” Bagwell said.

In the days before Christmas, families arrive to pick up the clothing and toys.

“This is a community effort to support them, and I think they're just overwhelmed with relief, with hope, with encouragement and joy,” Bagwell said.

There are many ways to donate: Call 919-744-3877 or toll-free 1-877-543-2628. Or text WRALCoats to 80888 and donate $10 to the Salvation Army.

Donors can also make a secure donation online. A $100 donation will outfit a child for the winter.