Community Corner
Central MA Call For Winter Coat Donations Amid SNAP Benefits Cutoff
Only one school in the area has donated so far.
WORCESTER, MA — Worcester area schools, organizations and businesses are being asked to get involved in this year's warm winter coat drive.
Caring Partners’ Coats for Kids & Families collects gently used coats of all sizes and for all ages from mid-October through January 10. One school in Clinton has already signed up, but more are needed to join in, according to the nonprofit.
"As the price of everyday items like groceries and gasoline continues to rise, government SNAP benefits are on hold, and temperatures start to drop, families struggling with expenses may find that a warm winter coat is a necessity that isn’t in the budget," wrote the nonprofit. "This year, thousands of children and adults may otherwise not have access to warm winter coats."
Find out what's happening in Worcesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
South Lancaster Academy in Clinton is the first school collection partner, but other school groups, corporations and communities are invited to donate coats for children and adults.
The six top-performing schools will win a prize, according to the nonprofit. Prizes include up to $2,000 toward sports, after-school programs, or student activities donated by Jordan's Furniture.
Find out what's happening in Worcesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Since its launch in 1995, the program has collected, cleaned and distributed more than 1.2 million free coats at more than 70 collection locations and events, according to the nonprofit.
The drive accepts all sizes of winter coats, new or gently used, but does not accept coats with rips, tears, broken zippers, or permanent stains. The items can be dropped off at any Anton's Cleaners, Jordan's Furniture and Rockland Trust location now through Jan. 10, 2026.
To register your school or company online to participate or donate, visit this page.
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