Coats for Christmas is a great example of the community working together to help out those who are on a tight budget or who are in need and cannot afford a winter coat. Each year we ask many of the area schools and some businesses, organizations, and individuals to collect and donate gently used winter coats. Previously City Dry Cleaning and now City Uniforms and Linens, graciously cleans all of these coats and that is no small task – generally we collect over 2,300 coats each year. So we thank City Uniforms and Linens for this donation! There is also a goal to have enough gloves and hats for everyone who comes to collect a coat. In addition we also collect blankets and socks that are available at our event.

Collection & Distribution

Collection locations: We will be collecting used coats from Mon., Nov., 29th through Fri., Dec., 3rd . The coats can be dropped off at the new City Apparel business location at 116 E. Main Cross Street, which was the prior location of City Dry Cleaning. Coats may also be dropped off at various Findlay City Schools and county school locations, as well as local businesses with donation boxes. If you would like to purchase new coats, hats, mittens, or blankets for the event, then you can drop those off at the downtown YMCA Branch at 300 Lincoln Street in Findlay prior to Fri., Dec. 9th. Indicate when you drop them off that they are new.

Collection dates: Collection will begin on November 28th and will wrap up December 2nd.

Cleaning dates: Monday, Dec. 5th - Thursday, Dec. 8th

Set up: Friday, Dec. 9th

Distribution dates: Saturday, December 10th distribution will be from 9 am - 3 pm. Coats will be available again on Sunday, December 11th from 1 pm - 3 pm. There is no financial restriction for eligibility; therefore anyone in need of a coat or hat and mittens is welcome.

Distribution will take place at East Branch YMCA: Sat, Dec. 10th times are: 9 am - 3 pm Sun, Dec. 11th time is: 1 pm - 3 pm

Volunteers – So how can you or your business or your organization or your church take part in this event? You can collect coats for us! We ALWAYS need kids’ coats and oversized adult coats. You can buy new mittens, gloves, hats, blankets, or socks? Or you can volunteer to help before the event, during the event, or afterwards. Get involved! It’s a great way to clean out your closets, help out those in need, and give back.

Volunteers need to contact Jackie Baltz at Jacquelynbaltz@gmail.com with your name, phone number and preferred assignment.

For more information follow for updates on facebook.com/coatsforchristmas.