Organizations like Operation Warm provide free winter coats and clothes to low-income children. Many deserving children need winter clothes like coats, hats, gloves, etc. These programs help families who are unable to provide these necessary items for their kids.
When a child wears a coat with a broken zipper or is too small, they do have complete protection against the Winter cold. These programs help children; some even help older adults and the unhoused with coats to keep them warm.
One winter, when I was about 11, I noticed a young boy wearing only a sweater on his way to school. It was bitter cold, and I was bundled with a shirt, coat, hat, gloves, and boots. I could not imagine how that child could be sent out without a coat. These coats are made possible by donations from non-profits, businesses, civic organizations, and individuals.
Free Winter Coats for Kids Programs
Operation Warm
The Free Coats for Kids Foundation, located in Alexandria, VA, partners with Operation Warm, Inc. to give free winter coats to children from disadvantaged families. Being able to be warm keeps children healthy and improves self-esteem. You have only to see the smile on the face of a child who has just received a new coat of his or her own!
The free coat program seeks to serve at-risk children all over America. The organization has distributed over 38,000 new winter coats in the last several years. When Coats for Kids Foundation retired, they asked Operation Warm, Inc. to help continue the work. Today, the dream continues through Operation Warm.
From 2014 through 2015, they gave out 316,000 nationwide, including 3,000 in the capital city. Operation Warm runs one of the largest coats-for-kids programs in the country, distributing new coats nationwide. Operation Warm is committed to providing quality coats to disadvantaged children. The program is growing, and its customer service is second to none. To find out more about this program, go to. Learn more at www.operationwarm.org. 800-730-9276
Salvation Army Coats for Kids
Each year, the Salvation Army has a campaign to help less fortunate children receive a new or gently used winter coat. Donations are received from local businesses, churches, and individuals. The Salvation Army is well known for its free Christmas gift program, soup kitchens, food drives, girls’ and boys’ clubs, summer programs, and a place to worship. They also hold winter coat drives for children in need. Contact your local Salvation Army (800) 728-7825
Winter Coats for Kids and Families (Non-US)
Coats for Kids and Families in Edmonton, AB, is a United Way program that began in 1992 in response to disadvantaged families and individuals needing warm coats. Employment is way up, but don’t get too excited. Many of the new jobs are low-paying minimum-wage jobs. Many adults with children must work two or more jobs to care for their families.
Wages are not moving increasing for middle-class and low-income families. Yet, housing and food are steadily climbing. Many kids have to do without when they choose to pay rent or mortgage or buy new winter wear.
The United Way is proud to say they gave away 5,800 coats in 2014. The annual coat drive runs from Oct 1, 2015, to Dec 15, 2015. If you are looking for a coat, please call 211 or 482 – 4636 outside Edmonton to find the closest depot. Contact United Way in your City and state.
Assistance League
Assistance League of Atlanta’s yearly program donates winter coats to school-aged children in Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb County, and Fulton County. Free winter coats for kids make a big difference to families in need. The initiative cannot be done without individuals, businesses, charities, and community assistance.
Fleece-lined hooded coats are given to children by a social worker and school nurses in assigned schools. They distribute winter coats, but Operation School Bell donated school uniforms, clothing, socks, and other things to almost 8,000 kids. Funding comes from Assistance League’s thrift shop, Attic Treasures. Assistance League of Atlanta – (770) 458-2038.
West Ebenezer Baptist Church
Athens, GA 30606
(706) 613-9278.
Emmanuel Thrift House of Clarke County
Athens, GA 30601
Phone – (706) 543-7047
Assistance League chapters are located all across the United States. Please check to see if there is a chapter near you and their winter coat drive dates.
Cozy Coats for Kids
This organization gives out coats every year to families in need. If you need a coat, begin to apply in September. If your coat is approved, they will deliver the coat to you. 303-900-0891.
Start a Winter Coats Drive
Would you like to start a winter coat drive for the disadvantaged in your community? If you are a community organization, business, school, or church, One Warm Coat can help. ‘One Warm Coat’ helps outreaches create winter coat drives.
Once you register, an ambassador will select an agency to receive coats and make it to your location. If you would like your organization placed on the list, all you have to do is register on their website. One Warm Coat does not distribute coats to individuals but to the registered organization, who will give them away. 877-663-9276.
To qualify, you must:
- Legally registered as a non-profit organization with the IRS.
- Have an outreach working with the community
- Give coats to the needy free and clear of any obligation
New York Cares
65 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10006
(212) 228-5000 | info@newyorkcares.org
In conclusion
Giving out free winter coats to kids is an essential and kind thing to do. It helps ensure that all kids stay warm during the cold winter, which is necessary for their health and happiness. This act of kindness shows how powerful it is when people come together to help others.
It’s not just about the coats; it’s about showing we care and are willing to assist those in need. As we move forward, it’s important to keep supporting programs like this. By doing so, we’re not just helping kids stay warm; we’re also creating a caring and supportive community. Let’s keep working together to ensure no kid goes through winter without a coat. It’s a simple way to make a big difference in someone’s life.
Hello, Lisa. Please contact the agencies in the article Free Coats for Kids to see how to get help.