Annual effort to collect thousands of coats for Tri-State neighbors begins

CINCINNATI, OH – October 19, 2022 – As colder weather begins to settle in the Tri-State,

St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati (SVDP) is launching its 22^nd annual Coat Drive. SVDP is asking the public for donations of new and gently used winter coats, which will be distributed to neighbors in need.

In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul of Northern Kentucky, coats are being collected at all Greater Cincinnati St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores, as well as select other locations.

Businesses, schools, churches and other groups in the community are encouraged to host their own coat collections. SVDP will provide materials and support for coat collections, as needed. Information on how to sign up, as well as a list of existing coat drop-off locations, is available at SVDPcincinnati.org/coats.

“Hundreds of people reach out to SVDP each day, to request help in accessing basic necessities. We know many neighbors simply do not have the resources to purchase winter coats for each family member,” says Mike Dunn, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati. “Donating a coat is a simple but meaningful way to help your fellow neighbor.”

SVDP plans to collect and distribute about 2,500 coats this winter. There is a particular need for children’s coats as well as adult coats, sizes XL and larger.  Financial donations, which SVDP will use to purchase new coats, can also be made online at SVDPcincinnati.org.  

SVDP’s first coat distribution of the season will begin at 9 a.m. on November 19, 2022 at Elder High School, located at 3900 Vincent Ave. Neighbors in need of a coat should visit SVDPcincinnati.org/coats for more information on upcoming distributions.

Coat drive partners include Gold Star Chili, Lemasters Consulting, VonLehman and the many businesses, churches, schools and other organizations hosting private drives. WLWT and Warm 98.5 are media partners for the drive.

About St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati

For more than 150 years, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has compassionately cared for neighbors in need throughout Cincinnati and Hamilton County. More than 1,100 neighborhood-based volunteers provide personal, emergency assistance for needs such as food, clothing, rent and utilities, prescription medications and much more. The heart of our mission is to bridge the spiritual, emotional and material gaps in peoples’ lives and to serve with dignity and respect.

St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati is one of hundreds of St. Vincent de Paul District Councils serving throughout the United States.  For more information about our mission, outreach and services, visit SVDPcincinnati.org.