Cradles to Crayons® Chicago (C2C®) is calling on the community’s help to provide 50,000 coats to children across Chicagoland this winter as part of its 2024 “Gear Up for Winter” initiative. C2C is seeking donations of new or like-new winter coats to distribute through its network of 70+ service partners made up of schools, community organizations, city agencies and more, which provide essential resources directly to families in low-income, homeless or crisis situations free of charge. “We want to ensure that no child in our city has to endure freezing temperatures without a warm coat. Clothing Insecurity has a profound impact in the winter – children miss out on recess, outdoor activities, and even school days without the proper gear,” said Dawn Melchiorre, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Chicago. Through February 2025, people can donate coats in all sizes, along with other winter essentials like hats, gloves, boots and warm clothing at C2C’s North Center Giving Factory and at 40+ participating locations throughout Chicagoland. Items can also be purchased through C2C’s Amazon Wish List, and monetary donations can be made online. Learn more about how you can support C2C at cradlestocrayons.org/chicago/.