The holiday season is approaching and we want to give back to our community during these difficult times! Due to the pandemic’s financial impact on many this year, the need for coats has greatly increased, and we want to make sure that everyone keeps warm this winter. Coat Drives for Connecticut help others in need at the start of the colder weather, winter season. Donate used or new winter clothing – help others keep warm through Kidtivity.com!
- Best Cleaners continues hosts its annual Coats for Connecticut – find drop off spots and hopes to give more than 10,000 coats and jackets to The Salvation Army this year. You can you help by donating your coats that are in good condition but no longer worn. Outerwear for all ages and in all sizes. can be dropped off at any one of Best Cleaner’s 13 locations (Berlin, Bristol, Canton, Unionville, Glastonbury, Middletown, North Haven, Old Lyme, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Simsbury, and Windsor) by November 25, then all donated coats will be cleaned for free before their delivery to the Salvation Army drop site in Meriden.
- KidsPlay is sponsoring a Children’s Coat Drive during the month of November in collaboration with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Goshen Ward, and Shades of Northwest Hills. Donated coats can be new or gently used in sizes 0 to 12. Also collecting new or gently used boots, hats, and gloves, all to benefit local families served through EdAdvance’s Nurturing Families Network home visiting program. Please bring your donations to KidsPlay. Collection boxes are located in the front and back foyers of the Museum.
- Button Up Connecticut is a large and longstanding coat drive. Local CT residents, local organizations, large companies collect new and gently used coats and distribute to the those in need. Dan Siracusa of Siracusa Moving and Storage started Button Up Connecticut in 1992. In the last 20 years, over 150,000 coats have been distributed to CT men, women, and children. Individuals and organizations like shelters, churches, food pantries can make requests for coats. Siracusa’s Moving offers their warehouse at 250 Commerce Circle, New Britain, CT 06051. Coats will be distributed from the warehouse in New Britain by appointment only. To set up an appointment, please email Kara at klucht@siracusamoving.com or call the Button Up Connecticut Hotline at 860-259-0239. For large companies or schools with collections greater than 100 coats they can arrange a pickup.
- Many United Way agencies also accept donations – their website provides a big list of organizations around CT from which to to choose.
For winter clothing needs in CT the Network of Care’s website features locations that will welcome your donations!
