In 2017, our team and customers worked together to give 177 winter coats to kids and families in need across Washington and Oregon. Here’s how our first Christmas Coat Drive for Kids came together.
177 winter coats for kids in need
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we collected and donated 177 winter coats, plus gloves, hats, and warm clothing. So many people gave. The winners of the dinner and movie door prize were Michele V., Brandi H., and Kellie S. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped make Christmas a little brighter.
Why we held a Christmas coat drive
With a colder than normal winter expected, our team talked about ways to help our community. Our hearts went right to kids who needed warm winter clothing. A good coat helps a child get to school, play outside, and stay healthy through the cold months.
Partnering with the YMCA
We partnered with local YMCAs so the coats would get into the right hands right away. The YMCA already knew which families needed help. About 60 items went straight to the Marysville Family YMCA to share with local families. We also worked with the Yakima Family YMCA to match sizes to real needs, like larger coats for a teen shelter.
How the coat drive worked
- Gather. People collected new and gently used winter coats, gloves, hats, and warm clothing.
- Give. They handed items to our delivery drivers or dropped them off at a Get Simple Box office.
- Get a ticket. Every donor was entered into a drawing for a dinner and movie prize pack.
Our team checked and washed every used item before it went to our partners, so each child got a coat that was clean and ready to wear. The drive ran from December 1 through December 14, and we announced the winners on our Facebook page.
A drive across Washington and Oregon
Our offices in Lynden, Burlington, Marysville, Ellensburg, the Tri-Cities, and Salem, Oregon all collected coats. Local chambers of commerce and news outlets helped spread the word in each community.
The drive went so well that we brought it back the next year as our 2nd Annual Christmas Coat Drive.
How to run a coat drive in your community
- Partner with a local group. A YMCA, school, or church knows which families need help.
- Set clear dates. A two-week window gives people time to gather items without losing interest.
- Make drop-off easy. Use places people already visit.
- Clean what you collect. Check and wash used items before you give them out.
- Say thank you. A small prize drawing helps people feel part of something bigger.
What to donate to a winter coat drive
- Winter coats and jackets in kids’ and teen sizes
- Gloves and mittens
- Hats and scarves
- Warm sweaters and fleece tops
- Snow boots
Giving back is part of who we are
At Get Simple Box, we deliver quality containers with care, by people who care. Today, 1% of every dollar we earn goes to our Care Team. Learn more about how we give back.
Need storage this winter?
Whether you’re clearing space for the holidays, storing gear, or protecting tools from the weather, a portable storage container can help. Rent a storage container, buy a shipping container, or call us at 1-855-855-4269 for a free quote.