Cradles to Crayons announces urgent need for winter coat donations

Philadelphia non-profit, Cradles to Crayons has announced an urgent donation drive for winter coats, boots, warm clothing, and winter accessories.

As part of the Gear Up for Winter initiative., C2C is looking to collect 20,000 new or like-new winter clothing items to distribute throughout Greater Philadelphia to kids in need.

“Cradles to Crayons works to provide essential resources directly to children in low-income, homeless and crisis situations who are facing Clothing Insecurity throughout Greater Philadelphia. C2C Philadelphia anticipates distributing 20,000 coats, 25,000 packages of warm winter clothing and 5,000 winter accessories this winter.”

According to data from Philadelphia’s Point-in-Time study, Philadelphia’s homeless population increased by nearly 38% last year.

Another important statistic shoes that since January 2020, the cost of children’s clothing has increased 11.7% and more than 300,000 children in Greater Philadelphia live in low-income and homeless situations where the cost of a winter coat and boots is often beyond reach.

“Gear Up for Winter ensures that children in our community have the essential warm clothing they need, lifting a significant financial burden off families already juggling tight budgets,” said Michal Smith, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia.

“Caregivers and families in Greater Philadelphia and nationwide are grappling with soaring living costs—from clothing and heating to housing and food. Providing these critical items helps families focus on what matters most: keeping their children safe and healthy during the harsh winter months.”

People can donate new or like-new coats in all sizes, newborn to adult, as well as hats, gloves, boots and warm winter clothing at C2C’s Giving Factory (4700 Wissahickon Ave Suite 142, Philadelphia) and 18 participating drop-off locations across Greater Philadelphia. 

Coats can also be purchased through C2C’s Amazon Wish List, and monetary donations can be made online.

For a list of drop-off locations, a link for the wish list and financial donations, please visit cradlestocrayons.org/philadelphia.