Once a year, events like the Coat Drive, Winter Wishes, and Cares Day for Schools occur as part of our broader work addressing inequality in the five boroughs. These programs have engaged individual and corporate volunteers in both in-person service and fundraising. In response to COVID-19, we have been creative and innovative in adapting these events. As always, the safety of our staff, volunteers, community partners, and the people we serve remain our top priority. We appreciate your flexibility as we ensure our events and programs are safe and appropriate for all involved.
Coat Drive
A citywide effort to collect and distribute winter coats to New Yorkers in need, the Coat Drive is one of our most cherished seasonal programs. As we prepare for our 33rd year and second winter in a pandemic, New York Cares is spreading warmth—one coat, meal, and connection at a time. Our primary goal in 2021 is raising funds to buy new coats and distribute meals in areas most impacted by COVID-19. Just $25 provides a new coat + 10 meals to someone in need.
Cares Day for Schools
Cares Day for Schools is a day of service in October, focused on revitalizing indoor and outdoor spaces at partner schools. In response to the pandemic, our school partners have instead asked for school supplies, PPE, academic tutoring, and social-emotional support for students coping with trauma. In response, Stand with Students is back as a fundraiser and year-round education initiative supportinstudents during the 2021-2022 school year. We hope to restart our revitalization efforts in schools as soon as it’s safe and appropriate to do so.
Winter Wishes
Every year, children and teens from organizations and schools all over the city send New York Cares their holiday wishes. Each wish is matched with a wish granter who purchases and sends gifts directly to the agency for distribution. This past year, the program supported a small group of Community Partners, focusing on family shelters, public housing facilities, and Title I schools in Central Queens, the South Bronx, and East Brooklyn. For more information, email winter.wishes@newyorkcares.org.
