It starts with a chill in the air and the memory of a child bracing against the cold in a sweatshirt that is too thin. That is the kind of image that stays with you. That is why, on National Care for Kids Day, we do more than remember. We act.

Observed every September 20, National Care for Kids Day is a moment to come together as a community and reaffirm a simple truth: no child should face winter without a coat. It is not just about staying warm. It is about dignity, confidence, and the quiet courage it takes to show up at school each day.

Why This Day Matters

National Care for Kids Day was created to rally communities around the most vulnerable among us, our children. It is a reminder that when we stand together, we can close gaps, lift burdens, and create hope.

In Lucas County, that mission takes shape in tangible ways: a new winter coat from Care for Kids, a warm pair of socks from Hannah’s Socks, or a pajama set from Susie’s Coats for Kids. These gifts do not just protect against the cold. They say you belong. They say someone sees you. And they say it loud enough to make a lasting impact.

Volunteer and See the Impact Firsthand

This year, you can put that spirit into action by joining the Susie’s Coats for Kids & Hannah’s Socks Distribution Day on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Jones Leadership Academy in Toledo.

Volunteers will help distribute new coats, hats, gloves, socks, pajamas, personal hygiene items, snack bags, and assist families registering for a free bed. It is a hands-on way to serve children directly in our community while supporting Susie’s incredible work. You will see the smiles, share in the gratitude, and know your time made a real difference.

The 2025 Coat Drive: How One Gift Can Change a Day

From September 25 to December 4, we are calling on individuals, businesses, and local organizations to help us deliver warmth, both literally and figuratively.

Your gift supports children through trusted local partners including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, Susie’s Coats for Kids, and the YMCA.

Since we began in 2019, we’ve collected more than 7,000 coats—each one a small act of love. But we’re just getting started.

How You Can Help:

Donate a New Coat
Drop off a new, gender-neutral coat in sizes 7/8 through adult large at any of our collection sites across Lucas County.

Make a Cash Donation
No time to shop? A $1,000 donation covers the cost of multiple coats. Every cent goes directly to coat purchases. No overhead, no admin fees. Just coats.

Shop Online
Use our Amazon Wish List or purchase from your favorite retailer and ship directly to:
Designetics, 1624 S Eber Rd., Holland, OH 43528

Coat Requirements

• Condition: New only
• Gender: Neutral
• Sizes: Children’s 7/8 through Adult Large

We ask for new coats only to ensure cleanliness, durability, and consistency across all donations. A brand-new coat gives a child the gift of safety, comfort, and self-esteem.

A Look Back: 2024’s Ripple Effect

Last year’s kickoff event was more than a launch. It was a celebration of community spirit. Held at the Holy Toledo! Room, the energy was electric as local nonprofits, donors, and leaders came together in the name of giving.

We heard inspiring words from Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Dr. Clinton Longenecker. We watched connections spark during a leadership panel hosted by Aly Sterling. We saw people show up, and because they did, over 1,500 coats were delivered to children across the county.

As co-founder Sydney Williams reflected:

“As the event grows and evolves, I hope the community can look back and point to connections, organizational improvements, and other successes that came out of a discussion or an interaction at this event.”

Those connections matter. Because sometimes, the right conversation leads to real change.

IMPACT 2025: Give Back. Learn Why.

The 2025 Coat Drive officially launches during IMPACT 2025, a day of learning, connection, and action, held at the Glass City Center on September 25.

This year’s event includes:

• Board Member Accelerator Training (12:30 to 2:30 PM)
  A professional development session hosted by Aly Sterling Philanthropy.
• Community Impact Showcase (3:00 to 6:00 PM)
  Meet 48 nonprofits focused on children and family services.
• Leadership Panel Discussion (4:30 PM)
  Hear insights from business and nonprofit leaders on how philanthropy drives change.

Enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and meaningful conversations. Best of all, every ticket helps fund a new coat for a local child. One hundred percent of ticket proceeds go toward coat purchases.

More Than a Coat

If you have ever zipped your child into a new winter coat, you know the feeling: safety, pride, warmth. For many families in Lucas County, that experience feels out of reach.

That is where you come in. At Care for Kids, we believe in meeting families where they are, partnering with local nonprofits to ensure that every coat is delivered with care and respect. This is about more than outerwear. It is about making sure every child knows: You matter. And you are not alone.

Let’s Make 2025 Our Best Year Yet

With over 7,000 coats already distributed since 2019, the momentum is strong. Let’s build on that success and reach even more kids this year. Your support fuels this effort. Your generosity makes it possible. Your involvement changes lives.

Join us September 20 as a volunteer for Distribution Day with Susie’s Coats for Kids & Hannah’s Socks. Then join us September 25 for IMPACT 2025 to kick off the Care for Kids Coat Drive.

Keep the Conversation Going

There are many ways to continue supporting the cause:

• Organize a coat collection at your workplace or place of worship.
• Reach out to a nonprofit you met at the kickoff event.
• Encourage your business to sponsor or support the 2025 drive.
• Share your story and inspire others using #CareForKidsDay and #IMPACT2025.