ST. CHARLES, IL (Grassroots Newswire) October 13, 2009

living in the U.S. come from families with incomes below the poverty level, according to the National

Center for Children in Poverty. Each year, thousands of these children face blustery, cold winters

without coats, boots, or even hats and gloves. But, people can lend a helping hand this year by

participating in Merlin’s Snug Hugs for Kids

Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops are encouraging individuals and groups to donate new and likenew

children’s winter outerwear and clothing for the annual drive. Winter items that are needed most

include new and like-new coats, boots, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, sweaters, pants, and socks

sized to fit children ages newborn to eighteen years old. Donations can be dropped off from

November 1

Snug Hugs for Kids

benefits Merlin’s charity partner, Children’s Home + Aid.

“This initiative is very near and dear to our hearts, and each year we are impressed by the

donations from individuals and groups throughout the nation,” said Frank Smola, president of the

Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops chain. “For many children, these donations may determine whether or not

they will have the proper clothing this winter, and with the public’s generous donations, we can help

these kids stay warm throughout the coldest months.”

On December 10, Merlin franchisees, employees, and corporate staff will deliver the clothing

to strategically located Children’s Home + Aid Family Centers in Illinois and to their affiliates in

Wisconsin. Since 1883, Children’s Home + Aid has been a leader in responding to the changing

needs of disadvantaged children and families in Illinois, and they are recognized as a leading

provider of quality programs and services to children and families in need. More information about

Children’s Home + Aid can be found at

Through the flagship Snug Hugs for Kids

subsidiary program called Kids Helping Kids

and community youth groups to collect winter clothing as a group for their less fortunate peers with

the option of earning a collectible badge. In addition, crafters lend a helping hand through another

subsidiary program called the Crochet & Knit-A-Thon

winter clothing. For more information about Snug Hugs for Kids

Mile Shops, please visit

– An estimated 39 percent of children™ Winter Clothing Drive.st through December 9th at Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops locations. Now in its 18th year,™ has collected and delivered more than 180 tons of usable clothing whichwww.childrenshomeandaid.org.™ drive, Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops also conduct a™. This program encourages Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts,™, where people collectively knit and crochet™ and to find a list of Merlin 200,000www.merlins.com.