What is Coats for Kids?
Coats for Kids – Cleveland was started in 1981 by local radio station employees when they realized that many children were not attending school in the winter because they did not have warm coats. That November, Coats for Kids – Cleveland was founded, and the radio station began soliciting donations of like-new, gently worn coats and cash donations to purchase new coats.
When is the campaign and how long will collection bins be out?
Effective with our 2023 campaign, which begins on November 1, Coats for Kids will no longer be collecting donated coats.
Why is Coats for Kids no longer collecting donated coats?
Coats for Kids has chosen to discontinue collecting donated coats to enhance our efficiency and productivity by redirecting resources previously allocated to collecting and processing used coats. Instead, we will focus on providing new coats, specifically tailored by size and gender/gender-neutral options, to children who need them.
Many children miss school during winter months due to the lack of a warm coat, either because their families cannot afford one or because they have outgrown their existing coats. We firmly believe that a new coat not only serves as essential clothing but also symbolizes a child’s self-worth and confidence. To Coats for Kids, a new coat signifies more than just warmth—it inspires children to attend school, continue their education, and engage in outdoor activities even in the harshest weather.
I/my business or organization would like to support Coats for Kids by conducting a fundraiser of some kind. How can I arrange that?
Please send an email to info@coatsforkidscleveland.org.
You can also check the Support Our Campaign section of our website for updates on information as to how your your business or organization can provide financial support to sponsor a school or a coat closet at a school.
What is your donation policy?
We have a donations policy for your review.
How does Coats for Kids work? How do coats get to the kids that need them?
Coats for Kids uses proceeds from its fundraisers, grants and donations from individuals and businesses to buy brand new coats. New coats are distributed throughout northeast Ohio (primarily in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina & Summit counties) by working closely with various public school districts and charter schools. Students in grades pre-K through 8 with family incomes below the Federal Poverty Level and in need of a winter coat are identified by classroom teachers, school counselors and administrative personnel.
In addition, Coats for Kids provides winter coats to a variety of non-profit social service agencies, churches and other organizations that serve children and families in need who are unable to afford basic necessities.
How do I volunteer?
For special events and at different times during our campaign, we need volunteer help. If you or a group you represent are interested in volunteering, please send an email to volunteer@coatsforkidscleveland.org.
How do I request coats for my organization?
In our ongoing efforts to serve schools and organizations efficiently, we find it necessary to temporarily pause our coat request link on the website. This decision comes as we assess our current standing in terms of funding, inventory, and as we work towards ensuring that we can fulfill as many requests as possible.
We want to assure you that this decision was difficult, and we will be providing clear communication on our website as we work through fulfilling the overwhelming number of coat requests we have already received. If we find ourselves with additional inventory available, we will resume accepting requests. We encourage everyone to check back periodically for updates.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Our commitment to keeping children warm remains steadfast, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate through these considerations.
Where can I find information about the financial accountability of Coats for Kids?
Coats for Kids believes in full transparency when it comes to our financial accountability. Please visit the Financials section on our website for more information.