National Care for Kids Day is September 20, a day founded by Care for Kids to bring attention to the needs of children and encourage people to take action. It’s an opportunity to learn more about the challenges children and families face and find a way to support kids in your community.

For Care for Kids, that work continues throughout the year. This fall, there are several opportunities to connect with organizations serving children, give back and help make a difference.

Here are three ways to get involved this fall:

• Volunteer: Find an opportunity to give your time and support children in your community.
• Care for Kids Coat Drive: Donate a new winter coat or make a donation to help provide coats to children who need them.
• IMPACT 2026: Join Care for Kids on September 25 at Glass City Center for a day of learning, connection and inspiration.

Whether you volunteer your time, donate a coat or attend IMPACT, there are plenty of ways to turn National Care for Kids Day into action.

National Care for Kids Day: A Day to Take Action

National Care for Kids Day is observed annually on September 20. Founded by Care for Kids in 2021, the day brings communities together to take action for children and families through generosity, service, collaboration and advocacy.

The idea is simple: one focused day can spark action that continues long after September 20.

For Care for Kids, National Care for Kids Day reflects the organization’s larger mission of connecting people, businesses and community partners with organizations already working to improve the lives of children and families.

Three Ways to Support Children This Fall

Volunteer Your Time

If you want to make an impact beyond a donation, volunteering is another way to support children and families in the community.

Care for Kids maintains a volunteer page featuring opportunities with organizations serving children throughout the region. Whether you have an hour, a day or more time to give, you can find opportunities based on your interests and availability.

Give to the Care for Kids Coat Drive

The 2026 Care for Kids Coat Drive begins September 25 and runs through December 4. Care for Kids partners with organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs, Susie’s Coats for Kids and the YMCA to help provide new winter coats to children who need them.

The drive has collected more than 11,000 coats since 2019, and its reach continues to grow. Today, the effort supports children in Metro Toledo as well as at multiple locations throughout the United States.

There are several ways to help:

• Donate a new coat: Care for Kids accepts new, gender-neutral coats in children’s sizes 7/8 through adult large. Drop off a coat at a Care for Kids Coat Drive location near you. Visit the Coat Drive page to find a drop-off location.
• Donate online: Every dollar donated helps purchase coats for children.
• Order and ship: Purchase coats from a retailer and ship them to Designetics, Inc. at 1624 S. Eber Rd., Holland, OH 43528.

The 2026 Coat Drive officially kicks off at IMPACT on September 25.

Attend IMPACT 2026

On September 25, Care for Kids will bring nonprofits, donors and business leaders together at Glass City Center for IMPACT 2026.

IMPACT is Care for Kids’ giving back conference, designed to bring people and purpose together. The full-day experience gives attendees an opportunity to hear new ideas, connect with community leaders, learn from nonprofit organizations and discover new ways to give back.

The 2026 keynote speaker is Bert Jacobs, co-founder of Life is Good, the purpose-driven lifestyle brand that has grown into a $100+ million company while helping raise more than $20 million for children in need. Jacobs will share lessons on leadership, optimism and purpose. The day will also feature educational sessions, networking opportunities, an IMPACT in Action panel and an all-day nonprofit showcase featuring more than 50 organizations.

IMPACT is designed for nonprofit leaders, business leaders, donors, board members and anyone interested in creating positive change in the community. Ready to come curious and leave inspired? Learn more about IMPACT 2026 and purchase your ticket to join us on September 25.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is National Care for Kids Day?

National Care for Kids Day is observed every year on September 20. It was founded in 2021 and has grown into a nationwide day of donating, volunteering, and raising awareness for children in need.

What is a coat drive?

A coat drive is an organized community effort to collect winter coats and distribute them to children who need them. Donors give a coat or cash, and local partners handle distribution.

Why are coat drives important?

Winter in Northwest Ohio is long and cold, and a child without a proper coat may miss school or get sick more often. A new coat can also support a child’s confidence.

Where can I donate winter coats in Toledo or Northwest Ohio?

The Care for Kids Coat Drive accepts new coats at drop-off locations across the region from September 25 through December 4, 2026. You can also donate online or ship coats to Designetics, Inc. at 1624 S. Eber Rd., Holland, OH 43528.