To read the full article: https://metrophiladelphia.com/winter-coat-donations/

FEBRUARY 19, 2025, PHILADELPHIA, PA — With the recent wave of frigid winter weather, Cradles to Crayons-Philadelphia is in urgent need of donations of new or like-new coats, hats, gloves, and warm clothing for children.

More than 300,000 children in the Greater Philadelphia area live in low-income and homeless situations where the cost of a winter coat and boots is often beyond reach. Cradles to Crayons-Philadelphia is asking for the community’s help to collect winter coats, along with boots, warm clothing and other winter accessories as part of the Gear Up for Winter initiative.

C2C is seeking donations to distribute through its network of more than 230 service partners, including schools, health providers and more. These service partners work with Cradles to Crayons to provide essential resources directly to children in low-income, homeless and crisis situations who are facing clothing insecurity throughout Greater Philadelphia.

New data from Philadelphia’s recent Point-in-Time Count shows that Philadelphia’s homeless population increased by nearly 38% last year. And according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, 1 in 3 families with young children were unable to pay their home energy bill at least once in the past year, leaving many forced to choose between heating their homes or feeding their families.

“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.”

Now through the end of the month, 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, visit cradlestocrayons.org/philadelphia.

“Providing these critical items helps families focus on what matters most — keeping their children safe and healthy during the harsh winter months,” said Smith.