Kids & Family

Give the Gift of Warmth with Your Gently-Used Coat

Got a coat that's just hanging around? Put it to good use by donating it to one of these local Union sites.

You shouldn't have to give the shirt off your back to help a stranger, but an unused coat would do nicely.

There's an aching want out there in this frigid cold weather for a warm coat for those who can't afford one. You may have a jacket, a parka, or an overcoat that's hanging unused in your closet that can bring a lot of happiness and comfort to someone down on their luck. 

If you're moved to help, here are some local centers that are accepting the gift of clean, gently-used coats - for children through adults, with a particular need for coats for the latter group.

JerseyCares, the Salvation Army, and other organizations have been running coat drives all season long, and some (see below) continue even through next year. Please, help if you can. You'll have an even merrier holiday season by helping someone who could use your kindness

Jersey Cares Coat Drive (runs through Feb. 7, 2014)

  • In Union County, there are 10 places where you are able to donate coats throughout the Jersey CaresCoat Drive:

  • RE/MAX Integrity Advantage, 501A Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, N.J.  Coats accepted Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.  For more information, call (908) 665-0600.
  • Dawn Durham, 242 North 9th Street, Kenilworth, N.J.  Coats accepted Mon. through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  For more information, call (908) 272-4822.
  • Cox Printers, 1634 East Elizabeth Avenue, Linden, N.J.  Coats accepted Mon. through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information, call (908) 928-1010.
  • Gyrlfriendz Hair Studio, 115 North Wood Avenue, Linden, N.J.  Coats accepted Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  For more information, call (908) 587-0022.
  • Storage Post, 401 South Park Avenue, Linden, N.J.  Coats accepted Mon. through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (404) 382-5409.
  • New Providence Police Dept., 360 Elkwood Avenue, New Providence, N.J.  Coats accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  For more information, call (908) 665-1111.
  • Charlie Brown’s Fresh Grill, 2376 North Avenue, Scotch Plains, N.J.  Coats accepted Mon. through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.  For more information, call (908) 232-3443.
  • Hecht Family Chiropractic Care, 201 Mountain Avenue, Springfield, N.J.  Coats accepted Mon. through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information, call (973) 564-5885.
  • PSE&G, 24 Brown Avenue, Springfield, N.J.  Coats accepted Mon. through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For more information, call (973) 912-3865.
  • 21st Legislative District, 251 North Avenue West, 2nd Floor, Westfield, N.J.  Coats accepted Mon. through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information, call (908) 232-2073.
  • To host your own Jersey Cares coat collection site, please register online.

Salvation Army
  • There are three drop off sites in Union County:
  • Elizatbeth, 1005 E. Jersey St.,  (908) 352-7057;
  • Plainfield, 615 Watchung Ave., (908) 756-2595
  • Union, 4 Gary Rd., (908) 851-9300

Know of other nearby coat drives? Please share them below in the comments.

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