CFS is thrilled that our 2023 Annual Coat Drive was yet another resounding success! We are proud that this year’s coat drive was the seventh successful drive managed by the amazing advocates and staff in our three Advocacy Chapters (New Jersey, Self Starters, and Strong Island Voices).
CFS’ Coat Drive is carried out in partnership with New York Cares, and coats are distributed directly through Services for the Underserved (S:US) in New York and to Clothing Drive 4 Funding in New Jersey. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and making a positive change.
Promoted through flyers, our website, emails, and direct mailers to our residences, supporters, staff, advocates, participants, their families, and our larger community, the response to the CFS Coat Drive is always overwhelming. Donations pour in not only from our dedicated community but also from neighboring buildings, other organizations, and companies, thanks to several strategically placed donation bins in the main lobby of CFS’ Manhattan Office!
CFS conducts annual coat drives to help provide warmth and support to individuals in need in our communities. Beyond meeting these very serious immediate needs and spreading warmth, CFS Coat Drives help foster a sense of community and compassion, and help promote the reuse of clothing for sustainability.
The Coat Drive organizers extend a heartfelt thank you to the management at CFS’ Manhattan office, who alway help set up collection points in the main lobby each year, and who show solidarity in this warming mission of collective compassion!
Leslie Colon, a CFS Direct Support Professional (DSP) involved in the Drive, reflects, “It is very satisfying to know that with a small gesture, you can give a smile to someone in need. We always have to be supportive of others. We never know if, at some point in our lives, that person we help will help us.”
Jasmine Mixon, a CFS advocate, shared her experience, saying “Donating the coat felt really good, and I feel happy.”
CFS thanks every single person who donated coats to the drive. We continually strive to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most, and our community always inspires us to keep doing what we do. We hope to continue to make a difference, one coat at a time, every year!
