Right now, parents everywhere are going through the familiar routine of back-to-school preparations – shopping for school supplies, adjusting sleep schedules, and scheduling those very overdue haircuts. As we pile supplies, clothing, and other back-to-school items into our carts, it’s easy to forget that this privilege isn’t universal. This back-to-school season, add one important thing to your list – help those in need.
The Statistics Paint a Stark Reality
According to the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE), during the 2020-2021 school year, 1.1 million students experienced homelessness, representing 2.2% of the overall student population in public schools.
And that’s not all — 37 million, or 11% of all Americans, now live in poverty and struggle to afford basic necessities. That includes 11 million children. A report by the Children’s Defense Fund shows a clear link between childhood poverty and academic hindrances, highlighting how lack of proper clothing can impede learning and skill development.
One Warm Coat Teaches Us All a Lesson in Volunteerism When it comes to basic needs, winter clothing plays an essential role in a child’s education. This is where One Warm Coat steps in. Since 1992, One Warm Coat has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals in need, facilitating over 49,000 coat drives across the country and collecting a staggering 8 million coats. These coats, distributed through more than 1,500 nonprofit partners, warm not only bodies but also hearts.
“Each small act of kindness creates ripples of change, resonating far beyond the initial donation.” – Beth Amodio, President and CEO of One Warm Coat
Time to Start Your Giving Back-to-School Checklist with One Warm Coat Small acts like cleaning out closets at home and donating gently worn clothing teach children a great lesson about empathy and compassion for others. By involving them in acts of kindness, we show them that the pursuit of knowledge is not limited to textbooks – it extends to understanding the needs of others and actively working to fulfill them. Ready to get started? Here’s how:
Hold a Coat Drive
Sign up to hold a coat drive. Holding a coat drive is an excellent activity for preschoolers, college students and everyone in between! A complete toolkit on onewarmcoat.org will walk you through the process and provide all the materials you need – from promotional materials to tips on building your own collection bin, this is a wonderful way to get kids excited to roll up their sleeves and help.
Donate Coats
This fall, have your kids join you in going through the home’s closets and pulling out outgrown, unused, or gently used coats for donation. Visit One Warm Coat’s Donate Coats Map to find a coat drive near you. Ask your friends, local schools, sports teams, or other community groups to contribute.
Donate Funds
Here’s a ratio that matters this school year: every $1 donated warms 1 person. One Warm Coat’s donation page allows for any budget, with a starting point of $1.
To learn more about One Warm Coat and how you can help, visit
Look out for news and updates about One Warm Coat Day on October 17th, 2023, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the need for coats.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
