More than two decades ago, then WSOC Meteorologist Steve Udelson saw a need and rallied the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community to solve it. That first year, viewers donated about 3,000 coats for people served by Crisis Assistance Ministry.
By the time Steve retired, the annual collection was averaging more than 30,000 coats. All told, Steve’s Coats is responsible for getting more than 300,000 coats into the hands of neighbors through our Free Store and Partner Agency Network. 300,000 coats represents nearly $18.5 million in value that families were able to redirect to priorities like rent, utilities, food, and other essentials ALL without sacrificing warmth for their children.
But those are just numbers. Here at Crisis Assistance Ministry, we get to see behind the numbers to the joy on the faces of moms, dads, grandparents, and so many kids as they put on one of those warm coats.
Neighbors like Zontrell and his little brother Zontrae, whom we met back in 2020. Little did we know how much Zontrell loved the science of weather. We will never forget how his face lit up when he realized he wasn’t just getting a coat, he was actually getting to meet a real-life meteorologist.
Since Steve’s retirement in early 2024, WSOC has continued the tradition as 9 Coats for Kids. Last year, we met Mah’kari and his family when they visited Crisis Assistance Ministry for a little holiday magic and a warm coat.
This year’s coat collection is already underway, and it’s an easy and meaningful way to help families who may be struggling to keep their children warm. Colder temperatures bring higher utility bills and shorter winter days mean children are waiting at bus stops during the coldest, darkest part of the morning, and sometimes walking home after the sun sets. Even for the best of planners, and particularly for low-income wage earners, the added cost of coats can destroy a budget.
You can help.
9 Coats for Kids welcomes new or gently used coats of all sizes, from children’s sizes up to adult sizes, and the coats that are collected in Charlotte-Mecklenburg will be added to the Crisis Assistance Ministry Free Store or distributed to our countywide Partner Agencies to provide to their clients.
- Bring your gently used or new coats to collection day from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Arboretum WalMart on December 17. Donated coats will be laundered and mended by our friends at Cintas before they make it back to Crisis Assistance Ministry, where we will add them to our Free Store or share them with our Partner Agency network. Bonus: Steve Udelson will be on site during the collection times!
- Use this donation location map to find sites where you can drop off coats that will be used in your community. These sites include WSOC-TV Family Focus partners, Ashley HomeStore, the Charlotte Fire Department, and E.R. Services.
- Find a way to get involved. 9 Coats for Kids will continue through Dec. 31, and WSOC has ideas on getting your family and friends organized and involved.
Other ways you can help:
Donate New or Gently Used Coats
- Bring your new or gently used coats directly to Crisis Assistance Ministry. Our donation drive-thru is open Tuesday through Saturday for convenient drop off of all types of clothing donations.
- Be sure to check your closets for gently used coats and other winter gear that might help someone else get through the colder months.
- Grab extra cold-weather gear – coat, hat, ear muffs, or pairs of mittens or gloves – when you are out shopping. All sizes and genders are needed from infant to adult.
Hop Online and “Point.Click.Ship” Directly to Crisis Assistance Ministry
- Our Winter Wish List allows you to shop online and ship coats directly to Crisis Assistance Ministry.
- All sizes, genders, and color combinations are welcomed. Coats with hoods are especially good for children.
