Coat Drive

CHNCT gives away more than a thousand new and gently used coats each year. These coats are given to underprivileged residents living in the New Haven area.

The Coat Drive is a joint event between CHNCT, the New Haven Firebird Society, 94.3 FM WYBC, Easter Seals Goodwill Industries and Metro Taxi. It is CHNCT’s largest annual community event. Besides giving away all of the coats, thousands of dollars of toys are also given away at this event. The event kicks off the holiday season.

CHNCT seeks to create a positive and enjoyable community event at the Coat Drive. The event has previously featured holiday crafts, face painting, reindeer rides, video games and an array of healthy snacks. It also provides information on social services offerings, like health care and energy assistance.

Dec. 7, 2008

Crowds of people lined up at the New Haven Field House to pick out one of roughly 1,700 new and gently used coats. A lot of the coats were bought by CHNCT. Easter Seals Goodwill Industries donated many also.

Hundreds of children waited patiently to meet the man from the North Pole himself–Santa Claus! Santa Claus met with each child. He also gave away a bunch of toys. The children also enjoyed playing video games. Some left with their faces painted. Others left with custom holiday crafts that they made at the Coat Drive.