Cradles to Crayons – ® Chicago (C2C®) is calling on its community to donate 50,000 coats and warm winter gear that will be distributed free-of-charge to children across Chicagoland this winter as part of its 2025 Gear Up for Winter (GUFW) initiative—one of the Midwest region’s largest free coat drives and giveaways. Community members are invited to participate in C2C’s GUFW initiative through February 2026 by donating coats in all sizes, along with other winter clothing essentials such as hats, gloves, boots, sweatshirts and scarves.

• Donations can be made at C2C’s North Center Giving Factory or at 40+ participating locations throughout Chicagoland.

• Items can also be purchased through C2C’s Amazon Wish List, and monetary donations can be made online.

Learn more about how you can support C2C at cradlestocrayons.org/chicago/.