Cool morning temps are a welcomed change here in Southwest Louisiana. Coat weather is on its way, and the Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles is at work to make sure that when temperatures dip down low, those who need a coat, have one. To accomplish that mission, they’re asking the community to help by donating gently used coats of all sizes, and by joining in the fun of the club’s 7th annual Kiwanis Coats for Kids Spooktacular, at Crying Eagle Friday, Oct. 27, 5- 9 p.m.

“Bring a gently used coat of any size, toddler to adult, and you’ll get a free Spooktacular glass, a free drink token and a free raffle ticket,” explained Jim Meyer, event chair.

Crying Eagle and the Bistro will be open to its regular clientele, so remember, to get the free glass, drink token and raffle ticket, bring a jacket or coat.

Starting at 5 p.m., and continuing for 60 minutes, Spooktacular fun will be family-focused with games , a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids, new this year.

Entertainment will be provided by Zydecane, a live band sure to cover the most popular songs.

Back by popular demand is Poke the Pumpkin. Free raffle tickets can be used to win restaurant gift certificates valued from $20 to $75. Additional tickets will be available for purchase.

Silent auction items at this year’s Spooktacular are a real treat, a fishing trip sure to be an outdoorsman’s pick, a couple of nights at Ranch Richard, gift baskets and gift certificates galore and one winner will walk away with a six-month membership to the South Lake Charles Boot Camp, the perfect way to begin 2024.

The South Lake Charles Bootcamp has coaches who work with individuals no matter their fitness level, from the young at heart who might not have worked out since they were seniors in high school PE to the seriously fit, ready to take it to the next level.

Coat Collection

On Monday, Oct. 23, Kiwanis Coats for Kids collection boxes can be found throughout the community. Coats will be transported to Runte Lake Cleaners.

“We couldn’t do this without them,” Meyer said.

Coats will be distributed to the Potter’s House, ETC Harbour House, The Lord’s Place, Boys Village, Oasis Women’s Shelter, Abraham’s Tent, Care Help of Sulphur, DeWanna’s Closet, Calcasieu Parish School Board McKinney-Vento for Homeless Children and CARC. Organizations will also receive donations raised by the event.

The Kiwanis Club of Lake Charles, founded in 1919, has been serving the community by collecting coats and dollars for 35 years. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.

“Your donations help us carry out this mission,” said Meyer. “Our 2023 goal is to continue improving on this great community collaboration, to make sure even more people have warm coats and more people experience the warmth of helping others.”

Call 337-853-1820 for more details. Kiwanis partners with the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana to make it possible for donors to use their credit cards for tax deductible donations. Go to donate.kiwanislakeharles.org.