On Black Friday, while many are shopping for deals, the Virginia Safari Park is helping local children stay warm. The 24th annual “Coats for Kids” charity drive returns Nov. 28, offering visitors a fun and meaningful way to support families in Rockbridge County, simply by spending a day at the park.
All proceeds from the day’s admissions will be used to purchase brand-new winter coats for children in the county’s four local elementary schools: Central, Natural Bridge, Fairfield and Mountain View.
“Every year, we’re humbled by how many visitors turn out on Black Friday — not just to see animals, but to support their neighbors,” said Sarah Friedel, park director. “For us, it’s about community. One visit helps us deliver real warmth to kids who need it most.”
Since the program’s launch, “Coats for Kids” has provided more than 3,700 new coats, making a lasting impact on the lives of local children and families.
Virginia Safari Park owner Eric Mogensen, who launched the program in 2001 just a year after the park opened, saw the need firsthand. “We recognized early on that some children in our community didn’t have access to basic winter gear,” said Mogensen. “We had the ability to help, so we did — and it’s grown every year thanks to the support of our guests.”
After the Black Friday event, coats are purchased, wrapped, and hand-delivered by Safari Park staff to each school in mid-December, just in time for winter break.
