OMAHA, Neb. — Max I. Walker, a fifth-generation family-owned drycleaning and laundry company based here, recently completed its inaugural Max’s Coats for Kids charity initiative. What began as a goal to collect 300 coats, the company says, resulted in around 1,200 coats being donated, cleaned and prepared for distribution to local children and families.

Customers and community members were encouraged to donate new or gently used children’s coats at Max I. Walker locations during a three-month period ending in October. Each donated coat was professionally cleaned at no charge by the company’s Uniform Rental Division before being passed on to nonprofit partner Project Intentional.

The cleaned coats were distributed at Project Intentional’s annual LOVE CAN Store, a large-scale community outreach event earlier this month. Remaining coats will be given away this week at the nonprofit organization’s Thanksgiving pop-up event, which provides a free meal and essential items to individuals and families in need.

“Our Uniform Rental team is equipped to handle large volumes of donated garments, and we knew we could make a meaningful impact by combining our resources with the generosity of the Omaha community,” says Marketing Director Steph Dorland. “We’re proud to have exceeded our goal and to help keep so many children warm this season.”

About launching a new philanthropy initiative, fifth-generation owner Casey Walker says choosing one rooted in garment care was a natural fit. 

“Dry cleaners and launderers are important community partners in times of need,” Walker says. “We’re in the business of garment care, and initiatives like this allow us to apply our expertise for good.”

In addition to coats, Max I. Walker contributed 150 pairs of new socks for Project Intentional’s Thanksgiving outreach event. 

The company says it expects to expand the Max’s Coats for Kids program in 2026, with updated donation resources and increased collection capacity.