Sunday's 2004 home opener showcasing the Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears will serve as the annual 'Coats for Kids' collection at Lambeau Field.

Fans attending Sunday's game will have the opportunity to donate new and gently used coats for distribution to needy children through area Salvation Army units. Several drop-off points will be located in the stadium parking lots. Cash donations will be accepted as well.

Traditionally a collection point for the annual Salvation Army campaign, last year's collection totaled 204 coats and $5,266.

The Salvation Army, along with FOX 11 and several area cleaners, including Lindeman's Cleaning, Royal Cleaners, University Laundry & Cleaners and Martinizing Dry Cleaning Service, are again leading the seasonal effort to collect 10,000 coats. Coats can be dropped off at the participating cleaners, in addition to being brought to Sunday's game.

For more information, please contact Cathy Dworak, the Packers' manager of community relations, at 920-569-7500.

The Packers also would like to remind fans that solicitation is not allowed in the Lambeau Field parking lot.

Lambeau Field has traditionally been a collection point for the Coats for Kids campaign during one regular season game. Over the last four years, fans have donated more than 500 coats and more than $19,000 to the 'Coats for Kids' collection.

Last year, Green Bay Packers players Cletidus Hunt, Tony Fisher and Kevin Barry gave their support to the annual Coats for Kids campaign by signing autographs for anyone who dropped off a coat at Lindeman's Dry Cleaners in Green Bay.

Lambeau Field will again be a drop-point for 'Coats for Kids' during the Packers home opener versus the Chicago Bears, Sept. 19, 2004.