JOSEPH’S COAT LAUNCHES COMMUNITY-WIDE CALL FOR WINTER COATS
Businesses, groups, and individuals invited to donate gently used and new coats for neighbors in need

Joseph’s Coat, a program of The Storehouse Community Center that provides clothing at no cost to neighbors in need, is asking the community to donate new and gently used winter coats and jackets for children, teens, and adults. Last year, Joseph’s Coat distributed more than 2,000 winter coats to men, women, and children across Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties.

“For many families, rent, utilities, and groceries must come first, leaving little room to purchase seasonal items like winter coats,” said Susan Gradick, director of Joseph’s Coat. “A warm coat is essential for health and safety, but it also provides dignity and confidence – especially for children attending school, waiting at bus stops, and participating in outdoor activities. The impact of a coat is far greater than many of us realize.”

The Storehouse encourages local businesses, organizations, and individuals to consider hosting a winter coat drive as a meaningful and accessible way to serve neighbors during the colder months.

“Community members often ask how they can help in a tangible way, and a coat drive is one of the simplest and most impactful options,” Gradick added. “Many of us have coats at home that are no longer worn but still have plenty of life left. We also welcome monetary donations, which help us purchase coats in the sizes and styles most needed. Since our founding in 2009, Joseph’s Coat has relied on the generosity of the community to serve neighbors at no cost each week.”

Donations may be dropped off at the Joseph’s Coat shed, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the north parking lot at The Storehouse Community Center, located at 1401 Mira Vista Blvd., Plano.

Those interested in volunteering at Joseph’s Coat may sign up at https://www.thestorehousecc.org/volunteer. Neighbors in need of clothing may access Joseph’s Coat on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment only.

“Time and again, neighbors share how meaningful this clothing closet is to them,” Gradick said. “One of those neighbors is Lidia Lugo, who received a coat in December and recently shared just how much it meant to her.”

“My beautiful new coat not only keeps me warm, but it also makes me feel happy, satisfied, and confident,” said Lugo.

“Lidia has since become a treasured volunteer in our clothing closet,” Gradick added. “With her background in retail, she brings a keen eye for detail – helping keep racks stocked and organized so neighbors can shop with ease. We are deeply grateful for her service and so happy we had the perfect coat for her when she needed it.”

“With more cold weather still ahead, we hope the community will check their closets—or consider hosting a coat drive—to help ensure everyone has what they need to face winter with confidence.”

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The Storehouse Community Center (formerly The Storehouse of Collin County) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community through food, clothing, resources, education, and employment support. By creating strong partnerships and offering transformational programs, TSCC works to address the root causes of food insecurity and empower neighbors to achieve self-sufficiency. During its previous fiscal year, The Storehouse served 166,124 unduplicated neighbors with the support of more than 2,000 volunteers. Visit www.thestorehousecc.org. The Storehouse EIN: 27-1883333