South Baltimore 7 launches citywide drive for 5,000 winter coats

South Baltimore 7 and Baltimore City Public Schools launched a campaign Oct. 28 to collect 5,000 new winter coats for Baltimore students before winter break. The effort will support eight City Schools and culminate Dec. 18 with coat deliveries and a citywide celebration.

Why it matters: - The 5,000 Coat Drive aims to send 5,000 new winter coats to Baltimore students before winter break. - The effort is designed to help students stay warm and to connect families, schools, businesses, faith groups, athletes, entertainers and residents around one citywide goal. - Baltimore City Public Schools is partnering on the campaign, which links direct support to students and school communities.

What happened: - South Baltimore 7 announced the launch of the 5,000 Coat Drive on Oct. 28. - The nonprofit is running the campaign with Baltimore City Public Schools. - Organizers said the campaign will culminate on Dec. 18, when the city’s effort will be celebrated and coats will be delivered to students. - State Sen. Bill Ferguson and Councilwoman Phylicia Porter are publicly supporting the drive.

The details: - The campaign will provide new winter coats to students at eight City Schools. - The schools are Arundel Elementary School, Bay-Brook Elementary/Middle School, Benjamin Franklin High School at Masonville Cove, Curtis Bay Elementary School, The Historic Cherry Hill Elementary/Middle School, Lakeland Elementary/Middle School, Maree G. Farring Elementary/Middle School and Westport Academy. - The effort will reach families in six South Baltimore communities. - South Baltimore 7 said the drive is meant to be a Baltimore story, not just a donation campaign. - Throughout the fall, organizers plan to spotlight the people, businesses, schools and neighborhoods helping reach the goal. - Baltimore residents can donate coats, provide financial support, become campaign ambassadors, organize coat collections and challenge others to participate. - Volunteers will help sort, size, pack and prepare coats for delivery. - Volunteers also can place encouraging notes in coat pockets, including messages such as, “You've got this,” and “Someone in Baltimore is cheering for you.” - People can make a tax-deductible contribution or learn more at More information.

Between the lines: - The campaign mixes material support with visible community participation, which gives the drive a public-facing civic angle beyond a basic donation effort. - By asking schools, neighborhoods and local leaders to take part, South Baltimore 7 is framing the coat drive as a shared test of Baltimore solidarity. - The planned notes and volunteer activities are meant to make the giveaway feel personal, not transactional.

What's next: - Organizers will continue collecting coats and donations through the fall. - The campaign will track contributions publicly and push toward the 5,000-coat target. - Dec. 18 is the scheduled day for celebration and coat delivery to students.

The bottom line: - South Baltimore 7 is betting Baltimore can meet a concrete winter need with a citywide show of support.