According to information provided by St. Luke’s University Health Network, more than 100 area children bought coats, hats and other winter apparel at Target, South Whitehall, thanks to St. Luke’s annual “Coats for Kids” campaign.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, the annual fundraiser was conducted differently from past years.

But it was even more successful, said Marie Ann Sutera-Wendells, marketing events leader.

In late fall 2020, St. Luke’s employees donated more than $14,000 to the campaign.

In past years, volunteers would buy coats, hats, scarves and gloves and set up a “store” at St. Luke’s Education Center, Bethlehem.

They would invite families to come and “shop.”

This year, families were given vouchers so they could buy the children’s winter apparel themselves at the Target in Crest Plaza.

The families bought more than $8,000 worth of apparel in November and December 2020.

The money not spent was given to St. Luke’s Visiting Nurse Association, which purchased additional coats and cold weather gear and distributed it to children who needed it.

Donegan Elementary School, the Salvation Army, Fountain Hill Elementary School, the VNA and H.O.P.E. recommended the children who participated.

“During this difficult time in our history, it is comforting to see the empathy and concern St. Luke’s employees have for such a great cause,” Sutera-Wendells said, adding she is grateful to Target for its participation.