As Yvette Anderson, Co-Founder of Meet the Need, a nonprofit partner of Jersey Cares, shared:

“I’ve witnessed the Coat Drive’s transformative impact firsthand, and I can tell you that a coat is so much more than a coat. During our coat distribution event, I noticed a man sitting on the curb, trembling from the cold. He wasn’t part of the scheduled group to receive coats, but his need was undeniable. I handed him a warm coat, and tears streamed down his face as he said, ‘It’s like you dropped out of the sky. I’ve been praying all morning for someone to help.’ As he wrapped the coat around himself, he began to share his story—how he felt lost, defeated, and disconnected from the life he once knew. I learned he was a veteran who had served our country with pride. Gently, I reminded him, ‘You’re still the strong person you’ve always been. You’ve just forgotten.’ That coat became more than just warmth—it became a symbol of hope. He left that day not only protected from the cold, but with a renewed belief in himself and his future.”

This year’s Coat Drive stands as a powerful testament to the strength of collective action. Every donation, every hour volunteered, and every coat collected brings us closer to a New Jersey where no one faces winter unprepared. It fosters a community where we are driven to care for our neighbors, support those in need, and lead with empathy and compassion in times of hardship.

As we reflect on the profound impact of this year’s Coat Drive, we are reminded that the work is far from over. The need for support in our communities extends well beyond the winter months. Our neighbors still require essential resources year-round—whether it’s donations of coats, school supplies, and hygiene items, or providing educational support for students who are falling behind. Families continue to struggle with food insecurity and need access to reliable sources of nourishment. Our veterans deserve opportunities to thrive, and our efforts to uplift them must remain steadfast. The work of creating a stronger, more compassionate New Jersey never ends. Every act of kindness, whether large or small, builds a foundation for lasting change and ensures that the most vulnerable among us are not left behind.

Jersey Cares invites you to continue making a difference in our communities throughout the year. Whether by organizing your own Collection Drive, volunteering through our public Volunteer Opportunity Calendar, engaging your colleagues in the Corporate Service Program, or involving your children in the Youth Service Program, there are countless ways to contribute. Together, we can uplift our neighbors and build a more connected, compassionate New Jersey for all.