Reading Couple Receives Outstanding Volunteer Award from The Salvation Army for Thousands of Winter Coat Donations to Youth in Need

Photo Credit: Melissa Ostrow. L to R: Majors Everett and Patricia Henry, Divisional Leaders, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division; Pat Kuecker; Bob Kuecker; Major Elijah Kahn, General Secretary, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division.

Reading, MA – On December 3, Bob and Pat Kuecker of Reading were honored at The Salvation Army’s Annual Holiday Luncheon with the Al MacLeod Outstanding Volunteer Award for their visionary leadership for providing new winter coats to children. For seven years, the couple’s Coats for Kids program has provided thousands of warm winter jackets to children and teens served by The Salvation Army from across the City of Boston.

This year, the Kueckers and their supporters donated more than 3,000 coats – and they are actively accepting donations now, encouraging donors to purchase discounted coats in post-holiday sales to prepare for next year’s giveaway that happens at The Salvation Army’s Annual Back-to-School Celebration at the TD Garden every August.

While the holidays are often called the most wonderful time of the year, many of our neighbors in need experience them differently. Every year, The Salvation Army of Massachusetts works to provide food, shelter, and a bit of holiday joy. To learn more, visit salvationarmyma.org.