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The Bears launched their 36th annual Coat Drive on Wednesday, in partnership with Jewel-Osco and with support from the Salvation Army and Shur-Way Movers, which will run through February 10, 2025.
New and used winter coats can be dropped off at any of the 189 Jewel-Osco locations throughout Illinois. Fans can also donate coats at Bears Fit (155 E Townline Rd, Vernon Hills).
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of Bears fans year after year,” said Bears Equipment Director Tony Medlin. “Your continued support allows us to make a real difference to the lives of so many people. Every single coat donated helps protect someone from Chicago's harsh winter, providing not only warmth but also a sense of security and comfort. Together we keep thousands of people warm and safe, and that is something we can all be proud of.
“As you know, the need out there is so great,” said Mary Frances Trucco, director of public affairs and government relations for Jewel-Osco. “As I say to everyone, the weather is not helping us at the moment, but we hope people continue to browse their wardrobes or go out and buy new or used coats. We have 189 stores. We are ready for every coat and every piece of clothing to be dropped.”
The Coat Drive's goal is to collect more than 25,000 coats for those in need in the Chicagoland area. Every year, thousands of residents spend the winter months without a proper coat, putting them at risk of serious health problems such as hypothermia and frostbite.
“We are so grateful to be able to partner with Jewel, Shur-Way and of course the Chicago Bears to provide hope to others this season,” said Major Caleb Senn of the Salvation Army. “It doesn’t feel like it today, but we’re in Chicago. Winter will definitely come – probably sooner than we'd like – and people will need coats. Seventeen percent of Chicagoland households live below the poverty line, so about a quarter of Chicago's children live below the poverty line.
“Imagine for a moment that you are a parent who has to make this difficult decision: 'Am I going to pay the utility bills or am I going to buy my child a coat? Am I going to put food on the table or am I going to do it?' “Buy my kid a coat?” Thanks to the generous Bears fans this season, that decision doesn’t have to be made.
If you need a coat or have any questions, please call the Salvation Army Holiday Hotline at 773.205.3690.
