New York Cares Coat Drive
Coat Drive Resources
If there was ever a time to spread a message of warmth in our city, it’s now. Learn all about the Coat Drive; who receives coats, how to fundraise, where to donate, and more.
About the Coat Drive
What is the Coat Drive?
The Coat Drive is an annual city-wide effort run by New York Cares which aims to collect and distribute warm winter coats to New Yorkers in need. Thanks to generous New Yorkers, the Coat Drive has collected and distributed 2.7 million winter coats to date.
When does the Coat Drive begin and end?
The 37th Annual Coat Drive runs from October 2025 through February 2026.
How do I donate a coat?
Start a coat collection or visit our Coat Drive Map (beginning in early October) to find a location near you accepting individual coat donations.
Do coat donations need to be new? Can I donate old coats with a broken zipper/button/etc.?
As long as the coats are in good condition and can provide protection from the cold winter elements, then we would gladly appreciate the donation! If dirty, we encourage donors to launder or dry clean their coat before donating.
What does New York Cares do with the coats collected?
With the help of volunteers, coats are sorted and then distributed to our Community Partners (nonprofits, public schools, religious institutions, and transitional housing shelters) that serve some of New York City's most vulnerable populations.
Does New York Cares accept clothing items other than coats?
At this time, we are only collecting clean, gently used or new winter coats and accessories (hats, earmuffs, gloves, and scarves). For other items, we recommend checking donateNYC for organizations with the capacity to distribute these items to those in need.
Can I volunteer to sort or mend coats?
Absolutely. Search for Coat Drive related volunteer opportunities by typing COATDRIVE in the project code field under Volunteer Projects.
How do I donate a coat?
Visit our Coat Drive Map to find a location near you accepting coats. Check back in early November for a live map listing coat drop off locations across NYC.
Will I be able to volunteer to support the Coat Drive?
We anticipate potential coat sorting and distribution projects throughout the season and will share more information about these projects as they are planned. If we have available opportunities, find them by using our advanced search and typing COATDRIVE in the project code field.
Is my donation tax-deductible? Can I get a receipt?
Yes and yes! The value of any coat you donate to the Coat Drive is tax deductible. Log your coat here to receive an email verifying your donation. Please note: New York Cares does not appraise coats. Values are assigned by the donor up to a maximum of $5,000.
Collecting & Dropping Off Coats
How can I donate coats to the Annual Coat Drive?
There are 3 ways to donate coats to the Annual Coat Drive:
- Register to be a Public Collection Site. As a public collection site, your location will be included on our Coat Drop Off Map (launching in early October) so New Yorkers can drop off coats at your location. You will receive specific information about how to advertise, collect, and have your donations sent to our Warehouse after you register.
- Register to be a Private Collection Site. As a private collection site, you'll gather coats within your own community or network without accepting walk-in donations. You will receive specific information about how to advertise, collect, and send or drop-off your donations after you register.
- Drop off an individual coat donation to any Public Collection Site or at the New York Cares Warehouse (157 West 31st St, New York, NY 10001).
How do I start a collection?
Register your collection here. Detailed instructions will be emailed after you register.
Delivering Coats
Can New York Cares pick up my donation?
We truly appreciate all contributions, but unfortunately do not have the capacity to coordinate donation pick-ups. As a nonprofit, we appreciate your support in our efforts to keep costs low. We encourage you to find a location on our Coat Drop Off Map near you to drop off your donation.
Where can I drop off one or two bags of coats?
Individual donations can be dropped off at a local public collection site. Please keep in mind, these locations are specifically for individual donors and often have limited capacity to accept donations of more than two garbage bags.
If your donation is larger, please send or drop off your donation to our Warehouse located at 157 West 31st St, New York, NY 10001.
Will New York Cares pick up my donation?
Individual donors are asked to drop-off their coat donations at the New York Cares Warehouse, New York Cares Office or at a local Public Collection Site.
- Private collection sites should mail, courier or drop-off their coat donations at the New York Cares Warehouse.
- Public Collection sites can arrange for a donation pick up with New York Cares. Details about arranging this pick up are available after registering as a Public Collection Site.
Receiving Donated Coats
I am an individual New Yorker in need of a coat. How would I go about receiving a donated coat?
New York City residents in need of a coat can visit one of our open distribution locations (available in late October) to receive help with accessing a warm coat.
I am a nonprofit, public school, religious institution, or transitional housing shelter looking to receive coat donations for my constituents. How would I go about receiving a coat donation?
To receive a coat donation, you must first be a registered Community Partner with New York Cares. Community Partners are then eligible to apply to receive a coat donation
Fundraising
How do I start a virtual coat collection?
Start by creating your own fundraiser. This will be your virtual collection box, and you can share this link with any friends and family who would like to contribute a warm coat to your collection. Every $25 keeps 10 New Yorkers warm and provides essential programs that help break the cycle of poverty.
Can I start a Facebook or Instagram fundraiser?
We love Facebook and Instagram fundraisers! It is important to know that these fundraisers take around 4-6 weeks for New York Cares to receive the funds. For a more immediate impact, and to help us get coats to those who need them before it gets cold, we suggest you create your own virtual coat collection and fundraiser. We receive the funds within a few days and can use them immediately to support the program.