Cradles to Crayons® Aims to Collect 50,000 Coats to Keep Chicagoland Children Warm This Winter


Cradles to Crayons® Aims to Collect 50,000 Coats to Keep Chicagoland Children Warm This Winter

  

Annual initiative calls for coats, warm clothing and winter essentials to help Chicagoland children stay warm and ready for winter

 

One in two children in Chicagoland face Clothing Insecurity, meaning they lack reliable access to affordable, adequate and appropriate clothing. As colder weather sets in, that challenge can become even greater for families already struggling to afford everyday necessities. To help children stay warm and prepared throughout the season, Cradles to Crayons® Chicago (C2C®) is launching its annual “Gear Up for Winter” initiative with a goal of collecting 50,000 winter coats for children across Chicagoland.

 

C2C is seeking donations of new or gently used winter coats and other warm clothing to distribute through its network of 100 service partners, including schools, community organizations and city agencies throughout Chicagoland. Through these partnerships, winter essentials are provided directly to children and families experiencing financial hardship, homelessness or crisis, free of charge.

 

But being ready for a Chicago winter takes more than a coat. Children need access to the right clothing for changing temperatures throughout the season, from everyday layers to cold-weather essentials.

 

To support that head-to-toe readiness, Cradles to Crayons also aims to distribute 25,000 warm winter Outfit Packs, each including one week’s worth of clothing items, and 20,000 winter accessory packs. The organization is seeking items such as sweatshirts, long-sleeve shirts, fleeces, hats, gloves and boots to help children stay warm throughout the winter months.

 

The need is growing as families continue to face mounting pressure from everyday expenses. One in three American children lives in a household struggling to afford weekly costs such as housing, food, utilities and personal necessities (U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey, 7/23/26). At the same time, the cost of clothing increased 3.9% from June 2025 to June 2026, adding to the challenge of keeping up with children’s changing sizes and seasonal clothing needs (Consumer Price Index, July 2026).

 

“A winter coat can mean so much more to a child than simply staying warm. It can mean being able to wait for the school bus on a cold morning, go outside for recess or spend time with friends without worrying about having the right clothing for the weather,” said Dawn Melchiorre, executive director of Cradles to Crayons Chicago. “With Gear Up for Winter, we’re getting essential winter gear to children who need it most so they can get to school, participate fully and focus on being kids.”

 

C2C’s Service Partners see firsthand how access to proper winter clothing can affect a child’s health and ability to participate in everyday life. One Chicago Service Partner recalled helping a mother who had been taking her infant outside in cold weather without proper clothing.

 

“He got sick, and then she couldn’t go out for the next 10 days. She also needed clothes for her 8-year-old so he could go to school and play,” the Chicago Service Partner said. “She’s so grateful for the help, and for all the diapers and wipes and clothes. It was so helpful because it allowed her to save up some money.”

 

Stories like this underscore the critical role community donations can play in helping families stay warm and meet other essential needs throughout the winter.

 

Through February 2027, people can donate coats of all sizes, along with other winter essentials like hats, gloves, boots, sweatshirts and warm clothing at C2C’s North Center Giving Factory and at 50+ participating locations throughout Chicagoland. Items can also be purchased through C2C’s Amazon Wish List, and monetary donations can be made online. Learn more about how you can support C2C at cradlestocrayons.org/chicago/.

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