Coats 4 Kids 2025
JOIN THE EFFORT TO BRING WARMTH TO CHILDREN THROUGH SPOKANE’S ANNUAL COAT DRIVE
Asthe seasons change and chilly weather settles in, many families across the Spokane area face a real challenge—making sure their children have the warmth they need during the winter months. For some, the cost of a new winter coat is more than their budget can handle.
That’s where the KXLY 4 News Now Coats 4 Kids campaign comes in. For over 40 years, this community-driven effort has been bringing warmth, comfort, and smiles to local children. With winter just around the corner, the initiative is once again underway, continuing Spokane’s proud tradition of care and generosity. Together, we can ensure every child has a warm coat this season.
How You Can Get Involved
• Donate a Coat: Clear out your closets and pass along gently used coats your kids may have outgrown. For a child in need, your gift can make all the difference.
• Spread the Word: Tell your family, friends, and coworkers about Coats 4 Kids. The more people involved, the greater the impact.
• Volunteer Your Time: Help with collection or distribution events—your energy and support keep this effort strong.
• GiveFinancially: If you’re short on time, consider making a monetary donation. Funds go directly toward purchasing coats and winter essentials for children in need.
Where To Donate
Donations of new or gently used coats (all sizes welcome) can be dropped off at any of our three Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Spokane offices, along with other participating collection sites across the area. All coats collected are cleaned at ALSCO (1923 N Waterworks, Spokane, WA) before being distributed. Best of all, coats stay right here in the communities where they’re donated.
If you don’t have a coat to give, monetary
donations can be made online at kxly.com on the Coats 4 Kids webpage, which also includes a full list of donation box locations.
Thank You to Our Partners
This effort wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing partners, volunteers, and local businesses who give their time, resources, and heart to this mission. To all who have supported Coats 4 Kids over the years—thank you for helping carry forward Spokane’s legacy of kindness.
Let’s Keep Spokane Warm Coats 4 Kids is more than a seasonal drive— it’s a reminder of what happens when a community comes together. As the temperatures drop, we have the chance to ensure no child faces winter without warmth. By donating, volunteering, or simply sharing the word, you’re not just giving a coat— you’re giving comfort, hope, and proof that compassion thrives in Spokane.
8 Tips to Stage Your Home Like a Pro
MICHEL SMITH
The goal is simple: Help potential buyers picture themselves living there. And the good news? You don’t need a professional designer to make your home shine. With a few strategic updates and a little bit of effort, you can create a welcoming, polished space that might just lead to faster and better offers.
Start With a Deep Clean
Before you rearrange or decorate, make sure your home is spotless. Buyers notice the little things –dusty baseboards, smudged mirrors or dirty grout can signal neglect. A deep clean helps your home feel cared for and move-in ready. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, where cleanliness is especially critical.
Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers want to imagine themselves in your home – not be reminded it’s yours. That means minimizing personal items like family photos, collections or bold décor choices. Clearing off countertops, shelves and surfaces also helps rooms appear larger and more open.
Create a Cohesive Look
Consistency matters. While each room can have its own personality, using a unified color palette and design style helps the home feel intentional. Avoid jarring transitions or dramatically different themes from one room to the next – cohesion helps buyers move effortlessly from space to space.
Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions start before buyers step inside. Trim overgrown landscaping, power-wash walkways and consider adding potted plants or a new welcome mat. A tidy, attractive entryway sets the stage for what’s inside.
Use Neutral Colors and Soft Lighting
Bright walls or dramatic color schemes might be your style, but they can distract buyers. Neutral tones like beige or light gray create a calming atmosphere. Use warm, layered lighting – floor lamps, table lamps and soft bulbs – to make each space feel inviting.
Rearrange Furniture for Flow
Your layout might be perfect for daily life, but
when staging, less is more. Remove bulky or excess furniture to create space and encourage easy movement. Arrange seating areas to highlight focal points like a fireplace or beautiful view.
Add Simple Touches
Fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit in the kitchen or fluffy white towels in the bathroom can make your home feel stylized. Stick with items that feel clean, fresh and hotel-like – nothing too overpowering.
Highlight Your Home’s Best Features
Have a large picture window? Sleek built-ins? A statement fireplace? Make sure these standout elements are clean, visible and easy to notice – not hidden behind furniture, drapes or clutter. This is your chance to guide buyers’ attention to what makes your home special!
Staging isn’t about hiding your home – it’s about helping buyers see its full potential. With a few smart tweaks, you can make your property more appealing. Connect with your local agent today to get more ideas on how to be market-ready so you can get the best possible price.
NOTES
Wonderful apple zucchini baked oatmeal filled with cozy spices and drizzled with a light cinnamon vanilla glaze. This protein-packed zucchini apple baked oatmeal is freezer-friendly and the perfect breakfast for transitioning from summer to fall!
Spiced Zucchini Apple Baked Oatmeal
INGREDIENTS
• 1 medium zucchini*
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
INSTRUCTIONS
• 1 teaspoon baking powder and cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon allspice and ginger, nutmeg, salt
• 1 cup finely diced honeycrisp apples
For the cinnamon vanilla glaze:
• 2 tablespoons vanilla yogurt
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1-2 teaspoons unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and vanilla extract
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 8x8 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Measure out 1 heaping cup of shredded zucchini from your medium zucchini, then place shredded zucchini in a paper towel or cheese cloth and squeeze out all of the moisture/water.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded zucchini, applesauce, eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and melted and cooled butter or coconut oil until well combined. Next stir in dry ingredients: oats, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, nutmeg and salt; stir well to combine. Fold in diced apples, raisins and pecans/walnuts.
3. Spread out oatmeal in a prepared pan. Add thinly sliced apples on top if you’d like. Bake for 3540 minutes until edges are slightly golden and center is set. In a small bowl, mix together the greek yogurt, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and cinnamon; mix to combine. Add more milk if necessary so you can drizzle on top of the oatmeal. Serves 6-8.
HOME TRENDS: DESIGN TRENDS THAT HELP HOMES SELL
FASTER IN LATE 2025
As the real estate market heads into the final months of 2025, sellers are leaning on design choices that resonate with today’s buyers and make listings stand out. While location and pricing remain key, the right design elements can significantly boost a home’s appeal and shorten time on the market.
Soft-Modern Style is one of the top trends helping homes sell quickly. This design approach blends clean lines with warm, organic finishes. Buyers
love the balance of simplicity and comfort—think sleek cabinetry paired with natural wood accents or minimalist lighting softened with warm metals.
Statement Lighting is also having a major moment. Oversized pendants, sculptural chandeliers, and layered lighting not only elevate a room’s look but also make spaces feel more functional and inviting. Lighting continues to be one of the easiest updates with a big visual payoff.
Natural Materials are in high demand. Stone countertops, wood flooring, and textured fabrics give homes a timeless, elevated feel. Incorporating sustainable materials also appeals to eco-conscious buyers, making a home feel both stylish and forward-thinking.
Functional Flex Spaces remain a priority. With hybrid work and evolving lifestyles, buyers value multipurpose rooms that can easily transition from office to guest room or workout area. Staging a space with flexibility in mind can spark buyer imagination.
Neutral Foundations with Bold Accents are proving effective. Buyers are drawn to homes with a neutral canvas that feels fresh, yet offers room for personality through bold wall colors, artwork, or furnishings.
Sellers who embrace these design trends are not just keeping up with the market—they’re creating homes that capture attention, spark emotion, and sell faster in the competitive late-2025 market.
$767,687 1,959 1,470 19 94 $420,000 $579,000 513 311 4,063 2,264
Market Insights
Spokane Countyexperienced a moderate increase in the average sale price, raising to $448,880, marking a 1.7% increase compared to August 2024. The median sales price also saw a slight increase of 2.4%, settling at $420,000. The current inventory rose in a big way to 1,959 listings, an notable increase of 27.9% from the previous year. This represents a 3.8month supply, an increase from August 2024, still indicating a seller's market. Residential closed sales also decreased by 13.3%, totaling 513 transactions. Additionally, the median days on the market increased to 19 days. Annual residential sales is up from year’s level, up 0.9%, totaling 4,063 sales.
In similar fashion, Kootenai Countyshowed increased price performance, with the average sale price lowering to $767,687, reflecting a 14.4% increase from the previous year. The median sales price had an increase of 10.3%, reaching $579,000. Inventory in the area increased by 2.1% to 1,470 listings. Residential closed sales also saw a decrease of 2.2%, with 311 transactions recorded. The average days on the market increased to 94 days. Annual residential sales in Kootenai County are up 3.5%, totaling 2,264 transactions so far this year. As interest rates fluctuate and the market anticipates changes throughout the year, it's crucial to