United Way looks at the big picture to deliver a coordinated network of services and programs to address a range of needs for children and families who are living in poverty.
Behind all our work, there are people like you who get involved in big and small ways. Help us ensure a better future for families living in poverty by getting involved.
Strengthen your organization’s profile as an active community leader and contribute to meaningful change and help build poverty-free, healthy communities where you live and work.
Keep up with the latest news, stories, and events happening in the local community.
United Way is a network of more than 75 local United Way offices. Since 1941, we’ve worked in the Alberta Capital Region for the betterment of all.
Whether you are an individual looking for support or an organization looking to collaborate, please reach out to connect.
Search United Way Alberta Capital Region
Home / Programs / Basic Needs / Coats for Kids & Families
Coats for Kids & Families aims to ensure families and individuals with limited resources have access to the proper winter outerwear needed for our cold Edmonton and area winters.
Suzi Medhurst
United Way of the Alberta Capital Region started the Coats for Kids & Families initiative in 1992 in response to an overwhelming need for winter wear by people in our community. Many local individuals and families simply don’t have the means to purchase the clothing needed to stay warm during Alberta’s harsh winters. The annual Coats for Kids & Families collection campaign runs from October through February. Once collected, the items are brought to United Way’s InKind Exchange where groups of volunteers sort and package the coats to be delivered to social agencies that distribute the items to the people who need them. In 2021, 38 community partners received and distributed 4,860 winter outwear items to those in need in our community. This year an even greater need is anticipated as individuals and families continue to face the ripple effects of the pandemic and inflation.
Help us reach our goal of collecting 9,000 coats for individuals and families in the Edmonton region.
Accepted items include:
Items NOT accepted: Non-winter clothing and outerwear.
Coats may be dropped off at United Way’s InKind Exchange by appointment only, call 780-990-1000.
"*" indicates required fields
We accept clean, gently used, outgrown or new winter outerwear for men, women, and children. Monetary donations are also accepted and used to purchase coats to meet specific agency requests or to fill shortfalls in certain sizing.
If you are looking for a coat, please call 211 or call 780 -482 -4636 (INFO) to find the agency distribution depot closest to you. Coats are not distributed by United Way directly to the public; all coats are distributed through various community agencies throughout the Alberta Capital Region.
Get winter outerwear to those who need it most. Frontline agencies serving clients in need across the Alberta Capital Region are invited to act as a distribution site.
4,860 coats were distributed through community partners to those in need
38 service providers received and distributed coats throughout the region
$72,900 fair market value for the coats.
Share your time by sorting coats and outerwear at United Way’s InKind Exchange between October and January each year. Please contact us at [email protected] or 780-990-1000 to volunteer. Volunteer sessions must be booked in advance.
Get involved! Rally your co-workers, community organization, church group, or friends to host a collection drive to collect as many new or gently used coats and outerwear items as possible. The Coats for Kids & Families collection campaign runs from October through February.
