Community Generosity Results in Successful Coats for Vets Drive

Libertyville Sunrise Rotary, Zengeler Cleaners Collect 8,192 Items

The generosity of Lake County residents was once again on full display for this year’s Coats for Vets collection drive, hosted by Libertyville Sunrise Rotary and Zengeler Cleaners. The service organization and local cleaner teamed up to collect 8,192 items, including coats, jackets, scarves, gloves and other winter clothing, all in support of our local veterans.

“The Lake County community rose to the occasion to send our vets a clear message of appreciation and respect for providing the freedoms we enjoy,” said Tom Zengeler, President of Zengeler Cleaners. “The need for support and assistance this year has never been greater, especially with so many veterans of World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Middle East, along with more recent conflicts. Too many of our veterans have had a challenging transition to civilian life, making it increasingly difficult to find meaningful work in an ever-evolving employment environment. Libertyville Sunrise Rotary and Zengeler Cleaners thank the local community for their fantastic support.”

Zengeler Cleaners’ two Libertyville stores once again served as drop-off locations for the donations. After the items were collected, Zengeler Cleaners inspected, repaired as needed and cleaned every donated item. Once the items were ready for our veterans, Zengeler Cleaners coordinated with Midwest Veterans Closet to make sure local veterans would have prompt access to these sorely needed items.

Rotary International is one of the world’s largest service organizations, with a global network of more than 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change. Rotary has been living this philosophy internationally, in local communities and individually for more than 110 years. The Libertyville Sunrise Rotary chapter was founded in 1987. Tom Zengeler is a Charter Member and has served in a variety of capacities, including as past-President. For more information about the Club, contact Patricia Bleck (patricia.bleck@gmail.com; 224-628-0199).

A picture of Itzel Castro processing some of this year’s donated items is attached. Itzel is a Presser at Zengeler Cleaners’ Park Avenue store in Libertyville.

For more information about Midwest Veterans Closet, please contact Carol Goldthwaite at 312-208-9807. For more information about Zengeler Cleaners, contact Tom Zengeler, President, at (847) 272-6550, ext. 14, or visit zengelercleaners.com. In addition to the two Libertyville stores, Zengeler Cleaners has locations in Deerfield, Hubbard Woods, Northfield, Winnetka, Northbrook and Long Grove. Zengeler Cleaners … America's First Family of Dry Cleaning™.