Proud to be New England’s largest coat drive for nearly 30 years, Caring Partners’ Coats for Kids and Families is collecting gently used coats of all sizes and for all ages through Jan. 9, 2027. Sponsored by Anton’s Cleaners, Jordan’s Furniture, and Rockland Trust, Coats for Kids & Families has collected, cleaned and distributed more than 1.3 million coats since the program began in 1995, with donations collected through more than 200 locations and community events across the region.
“More than three decades after this program began, the generosity of our communities continues to inspire us,” said Arthur Anton Jr., COO of Anton’s Cleaners and founder of the program. “Our mission remains simple: anyone who needs a warm winter coat should have one. Every school, business, organization and individual who donates a coat helps us make that possible for thousands of our neighbors each winter.”
Schools, businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, clubs and other community groups are essential to the success of Coats for Kids and Families and now is the time to register to host a coat drive and help neighbors in need. Each season, hundreds of organizations rally their employees, students, customers, members and neighbors to collect coats and help ensure donations reach people who need them within their communities.
“Rockland Trust has always believed that strong communities are built when neighbors look out for one another,” said Peg McCarthy, Rockland Trust. “Coats for Kids & Families turns a simple act, donating a warm coat, into a meaningful way to help a child, an adult or even an entire family during the coldest months of the year in one of the coldest regions of the country. We’re proud to support a program that brings people together and makes such a direct difference in the communities we serve.” “Every coat donated represents warmth, comfort and the knowledge that someone in the community cares,” said Josh Tatleman, CEO of Jordan’s. “Jordan’s is proud to continue supporting Coats for Kids & Families and to help make it easy for people across New England to give a coat they no longer need to someone who truly does. It’s incredible to see what can happen when thousands of people come together around one simple act of generosity.” School groups and organizations are critical to the program’s success. Each year, more than 200 dedicated school groups are responsible for half of all coat collections. Local public, parochial and independent schools experience the rewards of community service and giving back.