A statewide coat drive coordinated by a dedicated coalition of New Hampshire nonprofit organizations has shattered all previous collection records, gathering more than 15,000 winter coats for distribution to families and individuals in need across every county of the Granite State. The Warmth for All New Hampshire campaign, which ran from early October through the end of January, surpassed its already ambitious goal of 10,000 coats by a remarkable 50 percent, reflecting an extraordinary outpouring of generosity and community spirit from residents, businesses, and organizations in every corner of the state.
The ambitious campaign was organized through a productive partnership between the United Way of New Hampshire, the Salvation Army of New Hampshire, and more than 60 local community organizations including churches, civic groups, youth organizations, and social service agencies that served as collection points and distribution centers in communities large and small throughout the state. Clearly marked collection bins were strategically placed in schools, houses of worship, businesses, government buildings, and community centers throughout the state, making it convenient and easy for donors to contribute gently used or brand new coats in all sizes ranging from infant through adult.
Campaign coordinator Lisa Brewster expressed genuine astonishment at the overwhelming community response, noting that the initiative exceeded all expectations in both the impressive quantity and the generally excellent quality of donations received. She credited the results to extensive media coverage, enthusiastic social media engagement by participating organizations, and the genuine concern that New Hampshire residents have for neighbors who struggle to afford adequate winter clothing in a state where temperatures regularly drop well below zero during the coldest months.
The careful and organized distribution process began in early November and continued through the end of February, with coats provided completely free of charge to anyone who needed one, with absolutely no questions asked, no documentation required, and no eligibility screening of any kind. Major distribution events were held in communities across every county, with the largest and most well-attended events in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Berlin each drawing hundreds of grateful families. Organizers emphasized repeatedly that the deliberate no-questions-asked policy was essential for effectively reaching people who might otherwise be reluctant to seek assistance through more formal channels due to feelings of stigma, pride, immigration status concerns, or documentation requirements.
Schools and educational institutions played a particularly important and multifaceted role in both the collection and distribution phases of the campaign. More than 100 schools participated as collection sites, with many incorporating the coat drive into service-learning curricula. School counselors and nurses also identified students who needed coats and facilitated discreet distribution to ensure children were equipped for winter without being singled out among their peers.
Corporate participation significantly amplified the campaign’s reach and impact. Several major employers with operations in New Hampshire organized enthusiastic workplace collection drives, with some particularly generous companies offering attractive matching incentives that purchased and donated a brand new coat for every gently used coat collected from employees. Hannaford Supermarkets hosted prominent collection bins at all New Hampshire store locations and contributed $25,000 specifically earmarked to purchase new children’s coats in the infant, toddler, and small children’s sizes that were consistently underrepresented in the donated inventory throughout the campaign.
The campaign also served to highlight the broader and often underappreciated issue of winter preparedness for low-income families living in New Hampshire’s harsh climate. Beyond the headline coat collection, participating organizations distributed thousands of additional warm accessories including hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and insulated snow boots that were generously donated alongside outerwear throughout the campaign. Several forward-thinking organizations also used the well-attended coat distribution events as strategic opportunities to connect families with additional critical resources and assistance programs including heating fuel assistance, SNAP food benefits, food pantries, health insurance enrollment assistance, and other social services.
Buoyed by this year’s unprecedented success and the remarkable community enthusiasm it generated, organizers have announced that the Warmth for All campaign will continue and expand as an annual initiative, with detailed planning for the 2026-2027 collection season already actively underway. They are currently exploring promising partnerships with clothing manufacturers and national retailers to secure bulk donations of new coats at reduced cost, and are developing a year-round collection infrastructure with permanent drop-off locations that will allow them to begin next season with a significant head start on inventory. Individuals and organizations interested in participating as collection sites, volunteering their time, or making financial or in-kind donations can register through the United Way of New Hampshire’s comprehensive website to receive detailed information about next season’s campaign and year-round giving opportunities.
