For its 43rd year, the Cold Days, Warm Hearts coat drive will accept donations of new or gently used coats to help people experiencing homelessness through the winter.
Coat donations will be accepted at any Five Stars Cleaners, Dutch Boy Cleaners and Santikos Entertainment location now through Jan. 31. Donors will receive a Santikos popcorn coupon and 30-minute game card, and a $5 gift certificate for any Five Star Cleaners or Dutch Boy Cleaners location.
The coat drive will benefit SAMMinistries and Christian Assistance Ministries, which work closely with the unhoused population in San Antonio. Direct financial donations to SAMMinistries and CAM can also be made by scanning the QR code on donation boxes.
“It is an honor to work alongside these organizations to help those in need. Men’s, women’s and children’s coats are needed, but so are direct donations to these organizations who are on the front lines in service,” co-owner of Five Star Cleaners and Dutch Boy Cleaners Nicholas Abuawad said in a press release.
The Cold Days, Warm Hearts coat drive started in 1982 and has since collected, cleaned, repaired and distributed over 261,000 coats to people experiencing homelessness in San Antonio.
“Each year, I am humbled by the outpouring of compassion our community shows through the Cold Days, Warm Hearts coat drive,” said Nikisha J. Baker, President and CEO of SAMMinistries, in a press release. “Through the generous donations and support, families and individuals experiencing homelessness in San Antonio and Bexar County will feel the warmth and reassurance that they are not alone this holiday season.”
Santikos will host a coat donation event from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16 at their Cibolo Theater location.
Last winter, organizations helping those experiencing homelessness, like SAMMinistries, Christian Assistance Ministries and Haven for Hope, came together to respond to a need for housing through freezing temperatures. The Cold Days, Warm Hearts coat drive showcases their ongoing efforts to support the unhoused population through the winter.
“San Antonians have giving hearts and show up in force to support their neighbors and community. It’s the reason this coat drive has been so successful for so long,” Abuawad said.
