Coats and Toys for Kids Day

Coats and Toys for Kids Day is observed annually on the first Saturday of December. In 2025, this charitable event takes place on December 6. The campaign focuses on collecting winter clothing and holiday gifts to ensure children in low-income families stay warm and experience joy during the holiday season.

History of Coats and Toys for Kids Day

The initiative began in 1983 as “Coats for Kids,” launched by The Salvation Army to address the lack of adequate winter clothing for children in colder regions. The primary goal was to gather gently used coats, have them professionally cleaned, and distribute them to families who could not afford new winter gear. Local broadcasters, specifically NEWS CENTER Maine (WCSH 6 and WLBZ 2), partnered with the organization to promote the drive and organize collection logistics.

In 2004, the campaign expanded its scope to address another need during the holiday season: gifts for children. The initiative was rebranded as “Coats and Toys for Kids,” encouraging donors to provide new, unwrapped toys alongside winter garments. Over four decades, the campaign has collected hundreds of thousands of coats and tens of thousands of toys, becoming a substantial logistical operation involving trucking companies, dry cleaners, and grocery store chains that serve as drop-off points.

Why is Coats and Toys for Kids Day important?

This event provides direct economic relief to families struggling with the high costs of winter utilities and clothing. In northern climates, a quality winter coat is a safety necessity, not a luxury. By supplying these essential items, the campaign ensures that children can attend school and play outside safely without the risk of hypothermia or frostbite, while allowing parents to redirect their limited funds toward food and heating bills.

The addition of toys addresses the emotional well-being of children during the holidays. For many recipients, the items donated on this day are the only gifts they receive. The event also promotes sustainability and community solidarity; it encourages the recycling of high-quality textiles and mobilizes thousands of volunteers, from truck drivers to bell ringers, creating a tangible sense of neighborhood support.

• Protects children from harsh winter weather conditions.
• Alleviates financial stress for low-income parents.
• Ensures children receive gifts during the holiday season.
• Promotes the reuse of durable winter clothing.
• Unites local businesses and residents in a common cause.

How to Celebrate Coats and Toys for Kids Day

The most direct way to observe this day is by donating items at designated drop-off locations, which often include large grocery chains or dry cleaners. Donors should check their closets for gently used coats that are free of tears or broken zippers. While coats can be second-hand, the campaign typically requires that all donated toys be new and unwrapped to ensure safety and simplify the sorting process for volunteers.

Those without items to donate can contribute by volunteering their time or money. The Salvation Army and partner media stations often broadcast live from collection sites, requiring manpower to sort incoming donations, load trucks, and greet donors. Monetary donations are also critical, as they allow the organization to purchase specific sizes of coats that may not have been donated in sufficient quantities.

• Donate a gently used, good-condition winter coat.
• Purchase and donate a new, unwrapped toy.
• Volunteer to sort items at a local collection site.
• Organize a collection drive at your workplace or school.
• Make a financial contribution to the Salvation Army.

Coats and Toys for Kids Day Dates Table