Every fall, Care for Kids launches our annual Coat Drive to ensure that children in need receive warm coats to protect against the chill. While we are grateful for all contributions, we specifically request new coats over used ones. This decision might raise questions, given the growing popularity of reusing and recycling clothing. However, there are significant reasons behind our request for new coats, and we’d like to share them with you. Sydney Williams, founder of Care for Kids, elaborates on why new coats make such a difference.

The Psychological Impact of Receiving Something New

Children receiving aid often experience feelings of marginalization and giving them second-hand items can sometimes accentuate this experience. But providing them with something brand new sends an empowering message:

You deserve the same quality of life as everyone else.

“The children that are receiving our coats are used to getting hand-me-downs from other siblings, friends and donations. To allow them to not only pick their coat in the color they want but the fact that it’s new with a tag is priceless. We’re giving these kids something that is all theirs,” says Williams.

Logistical Constraints in Handling Used Coats

While we recognize the good intentions behind donating used coats, our primary focus is on efficiently and effectively distributing new coats directly to children in need. Sorting through used coat donations would require significant resources—time, money, and manpower—that could otherwise be devoted to our core mission.

“In past years we’ve received ripped, dirty and unusable coats. Care for Kids is not equipped with resources to go through the used coats dropped off and we aren’t willing to give children coats that aren’t functional or usable,” explains Williams.

Ensuring Quality: Free from Allergens, Wear and Tear

New coats guarantee that what the children receive is free from smoke, pet hair, rips and stains—issues commonly found in used items. Allergies can be a serious concern for children, and it’s crucial that the coats are hypoallergenic and free from any contaminants. In contrast, new coats meet these criteria straight from the factory, ensuring not just warmth but also the health and comfort of the children.

The Burden on Charities

An enlightening article recently highlighted the challenges that organizations like Goodwill face when receiving items they cannot use. A significant portion of used items require sorting, cleaning and sometimes even disposal, costing the organization valuable resources. This situation raises concerns about the ethics of donating used items that can ultimately be a burden rather than a help.

When you donate a new coat to Care for Kids, you are directly contributing to our mission without creating additional logistical challenges.

In Conclusion

“Although simple, allowing kids to choose their new coat lets them to express themselves and feel confident in their skin, which is of equal benefit to their mental and emotional well-being,” Williams concludes.

Your generosity and desire to help are incredibly valuable to us and the children we serve. While the call for new coats may initially seem specific, we hope that understanding the reasons behind it will encourage you to continue supporting our cause. A new coat does more than just provide warmth; it offers dignity, ensures quality, and most importantly, sends a powerful message to a child that they are deserving of something wonderful.

As we head into this fall and winter season, consider giving the gift of warmth and dignity by donating a new coat to the Care for Kids Coat Drive. Thank you for your continued support!

Continuing the Conversation on Social Media

Care for Kids wants to hear from you.

1. How important do you think it is for a child to receive a brand-new coat, especially when it comes to how they feel about themselves?
2. As a potential donor, how does knowing the reasons behind the preference for new coats influence your willingness to contribute?
3. Before reading the article, were you aware that not all donations are helpful and that some can even be burdensome to charities? Has this changed how you’ll approach donating in the future?