Chicago Bears and Jewel-Osco Coat Drive Kicks Off November 14
UPDATE: The 32nd annual Chicago Bears Coat Drive, brought to you by Jewel-Osco and benefitting The Salvation Army, has been canceled. However, new and gently used coats can be donated at all Salvation Army Family Store locations.
The Chicago Bears and Jewel-Osco announced yesterday the start of their 32nd annual coat drive, just as temperatures across the Chicago region are returning to colder, more seasonal levels. At a press conference at Halas Hall, representatives from both organizations shared details of the annual effort that provides thousands of coats to The Salvation Army to give to our neighbors in need.
New and gently used coats can be donated at participating Jewel-Osco locations throughout Chicagoland from November 14, 2020, through February 27, 2021. Due to COVID-19, select stores will only accept coats on specific dates. All collections will take place outside of the store. Find a complete list of stores, dates, and hours of collection here.
Chicago winters can be miserable for everyone, but for many of the people we serve, they are life threatening. People who are homeless, families who can’t afford to pay their heating bills, even children just walking to school are at risk of getting frostbite without the proper clothing. Add in the extra stress and financial challenge brought on by COVID-19, and the situation is even more dire.
Chicago Bears nose tackle Bilal Nichols said, “The winters here can be brutal. I’m blessed to be able to take part in activities like this. I think it’s important. If you can give back, you should.” Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson said he’s proud to be part of this effort, especially during COVID.
Mary Frances Trucco, director of public affairs for Jewel-Osco, said, “We're proud to partner with The Salvation Army and are grateful to the Bears and the Jewel customers who are making a difference in the community.”
All coats will benefit The Salvation Army, which is working diligently this holiday season to Rescue Christmas for our neighbors in need. "With unprecedented levels of need due to COVID-19, the availability of warm coats this year will help these families avoid having to choose between a winter coat or a food bill," said Lt. Colonel Lonneal Richardson, The Salvation Army Divisional Commander.
The Salvation Army conducts daily outreach to homeless individuals, offering warm meals, coats, and blankets. We invite them in out of the cold and offer them shelter and treatment. At our Family Stores, we give away thousands of coats collected through the coat drive.
Last year we received more than 16,500 coats, along with hundreds of hats, gloves, scarves, and snowsuits. We are grateful to our generous donors and to The Chicago Bears and Jewel-Osco for helping us bring warmth and hope to those in need this winter.
If you need a coat, please contact your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or call 773.725.1100. You will need to apply for a coat voucher that can be used at any Salvation Army Thrift Store.
Check out photos from our coat collection locations
Help The Salvation Army Rescue Christmas
for Our Neighbors in Need
Help Rescue Christmas Fundraise for Good
Ring a Bell Volunteer Make the Holiday Bright for a Child
For tax purposes: The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division EIN is 36-2167910.