Support Our 2025 Coats for Vets Collection Drive

Donations accepted through October 31 at Zengeler’s Libertyville locations

Fall has arrived, and that means cooler days and colder nights are just around the corner. That is just one of the many reasons Libertyville Rotary Sunrise teamed with Zengeler Cleaners for its annual “Coats for Vets” collection drive. This important event collects winter coats, jackets and other seasonal apparel that will be distributed to veterans throughout the northern Illinois area.

“This is an especially challenging time for veterans who have difficulty finding meaningful work when their service time is completed, particularly those who served in combat zones,” said Tom Zengeler, President of Zengeler Cleaners. “Imagine braving the cold and snow of northern Illinois winters without having the right clothing. With funding for many outreach programs increasingly uncertain, more veterans than ever need clothing, housing, food and jobs. In short, they need our help. Libertyville Sunrise Rotary has taken up this cause to support our heroes … so please help us say ‘thank you’ to those who valiantly served so we can enjoy our way of life.”

All types of clothing and accessories are welcomed, including blankets, gloves, hats, coats, jackets and other seasonal apparel. Donations are accepted through Saturday, November 1st by any member of Libertyville Sunrise Rotary or can be dropped off at either of Zengeler Cleaners Libertyville stores (539 E. Park Avenue and 1401 Peterson Road). Once donations are gathered, the Zengeler team will inspect, repair as needed and clean each item, then deliver the renewed donations to Midwest Veterans Closet for distribution to veterans.

“Midwest Veterans Closet gratefully looks forward to receiving this year’s much-needed donations,” said Carol Goldthwaite, Operations Manager at Midwest Veterans Closet, who is coordinating with Libertyville Sunrise Rotary and Zengeler Cleaners. “These items are so valued, so necessary and in such demand. We just moved into our new facility in North Chicago, an important step that will allow us to fulfil our vision to expand services and better serve our veterans. Please look through your closets, attics and basements, then donate whatever lightly worn or perhaps even new items you can spare. Your donations can help make this year’s drive the most successful ever!”

Libertyville Sunrise Rotary chapter was founded in 1987, a chapter of Rotary International, an organization of businesses and professional leaders that provides humanitarian services, encourages high ethical standards in all vocations, and works to build peace and goodwill throughout the world. There are 1.2+ million Rotarians worldwide, including Tom Zengeler, an active Rotarian and Charter Member of Libertyville Sunrise Rotary.

A picture showing Maria Marroquin of Zengeler Cleaners’ production team inspecting a donated coat from last year’s collection drive is attached. For more information about Coats for Vets, visit libertyvillesunriserotary.com. For more info about Zengeler Cleaners, contact Tom Zengeler, President, at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14, or visit our website here. In addition to its two Libertyville stores, Zengeler Cleaners has locations in Deerfield, Northfield, Winnetka, Northbrook and Long Grove. Zengeler Cleaners … America's First Family of Dry Cleaning™.