Winter Coat Drives Seek Donations as Prices Rise

Donors can drop off new or gently used coats before the Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 deadlines as families brace for colder weather.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Philanthropy

Winter Coat Drives Seek Donations as Prices Rise

Live Poll

Would you donate a coat to a local nonprofit this winter?

San Antonio-area nonprofits expect greater demand for winter coats this season, and United Way's Project Warmth aims to collect 2,000 new coats for families in Bexar County. Donors can drop off new or gently used coats at designated collection sites, and the Nov. 13 deadline for the United Way drive is approaching.

Why it matters

Nonprofits are collecting coats now so families are not scrambling to buy them if a cold snap arrives suddenly. Coat prices rose 24% last year, according to AlixPartners, which makes replacing coats for children each year costly for many households.

Jacket prices rose 24% last year, according to AlixPartners, while Project Warmth aims to collect 2,000 new coats for more than 650 families in its grant program. District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears' office collected 500 coats last year and is seeking 700 new and gently used coats this year.

The players

United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County

A nonprofit community-impact organization that runs the annual Project Warmth coat drive and grant program serving families across Bexar County.

Corazón Ministries

A San Antonio nonprofit providing no-barrier services that sees 300 to 400 people daily.

AlixPartners

A global consulting firm whose data showed jacket prices rising 24% last year.

The details

Donors drop off new or gently used coats at designated collection sites, including the District 9 drop-off at 700 S. Alamo St. The San Antonio Public Library's Wall of Warmth, which began at the Potranco library branch and now operates at 11 branches, accepts coats, gloves, hats, scarves and other warm accessories on a take what you need, leave what you can basis. Clean store-bought, handmade or donated items are accepted. Corazón Ministries, which sees 300 to 400 people daily through no-barrier services, is among the nonprofits anticipating higher need this winter.

Nov. 13: United Way Project Warmth coat drive deadline.
Nov. 20: District 9 Coats of Kindness drive deadline.

Market Landscape

AlixPartners reported that jacket prices rose 24% last year, which has pushed more households toward secondhand and donated clothing channels. Nonprofit coat drives such as Project Warmth now carry a larger share of winter outerwear distribution as retail costs climb.

Households planning for winter should weigh whether donating unused coats or using a drive can offset rising outerwear costs before a cold snap arrives. Operators of charitable collection sites should expect higher donation volume and plan staffing and storage accordingly.

The takeaway

Coat donations collected before the first cold snap give families time to be ready rather than buying in a rush. Donors can confirm drop-off hours with the collection site before the Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 deadlines.