Community Announcement: Cradles to Crayons winter coat drive

Cradles to Crayons Boston has launched its annual Gear Up for Winter campaign. The campaign gives free coats, hats, gloves and boots to children in homeless and low-income households across Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and Rhode Island. This year the nonprofit hopes to distribute 2.5 million items, including more than 50,000 winter coats. “Every winter brings an increased need for coats and cold-weather essentials for children experiencing poverty and crisis, but this year, the need feels even more critical,” said Alicia Kabir, executive director of Cradles to Crayons Boston. “As rising costs collide with cuts to assistance, families are hitting a financial breaking point.” The organization says one in three children in the region is at risk of clothing insecurity, based on U.S. Census Bureau data. Consumer Price Index figures show boys’ clothing rose 7.8 percent and girls’ clothing 3.6 percent from September 2025 to September 2026.

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