More than 2,600 coats have been collected by area schools for needy families as part of the Salvation Army's Coats for Kids Campaign. The School Challenge, sponsored by KNDU-TV and Kadlec Medical Center, generated 2,626 coats this year.

For the 3rd straight year, Maya Angelou Elementary School of Pasco collected the most coats with a record 474. For being the top collector, Kadlec donates $500 to the school. Finishing second was Desert Hills Middle School of Kennewick with 429 coats and taking third place was White Bluffs Elementary School of Richland with 400. Kadlec donates $200 to each school that collects a minimum of 100 coats.

In the four years of the school challenge, area children have collected more than 9,000 coats for needy families. The coats are distributed throughout the year by the Salvation Army. For more information, contact Jim Hall at 942-2814.