Oil Kings fans asked to donate winter clothing to United Way

United Way's Rob Yager and Edmonton Oil Kings mascot Louie the Lion organize winter clothing donations for the annual Coats for Kids and Families Campaign in Edmonton on Dec. 13, 2024. (CTV News Edmonton)

The Edmonton Oil Kings are collecting winter clothing at their next three home games for United Way's annual Coats for Kids and Families Campaign.

About 15,000 winter wear items are needed in the capital region, according to Rob Yager, the president and CEO of the local United Way chapter.

"The need is incredibly great out in the community here, and although we are getting some traction in terms of people donating warm winter wear items, the gap is far greater than what we can supply right now," he told CTV News Edmonton on Friday.

To help fill the gap, the Oil Kings are encouraging fans to bring their gently used donations to Ford Hall at Rogers Place on Dec. 15, 17 and 29.

"We did two games last year, but we wanted to expand our ability," Oil Kings director of business operations Kevi Radomski said.

"We're all the same. We all have closets full of clothing that we don't wear anymore because we've outgrown it, or maybe we've just changed our mind on the item. Please clean your house, bring it to Rogers Place, and we'll make sure it gets to United Way."

Everyone who makes a donation will receive a voucher for a pair of tickets to the Oil Kings' New Year's Day game against the Calgary Hitmen.

The list of acceptable donations consists of: winter coats, snow pants, toques, mitts, scarves, winter boots, and insulated work wear.

Last year, Oil Kings fans donated 300 items.

The Coats for Kids and Families campaign was founded in 1992.