Background:

As winter approaches, there are many children who need winter coats.

To help our smallest residents stay warm, my office is sponsoring a children’s coat drive in partnership with Heritage Fellowship Church in Reston. We are focusing our coat drive on children since our little ones outgrow their winter jackets so quickly, and there’s always a need for more.

I invite our community to donate new or gently used, clean winter coats for kids. Coats and jackets in all children’s sizes are needed from newborns to teens, but there’s also a high demand for coats for elementary and middle school children. We’re also seeking accompanying donations of children’s-sized plastic coat hangers, and reusable shopping bags and totes that will be used to transport and distribute coats.

Donations may be made from now through February 2026, and they should be dropped off at my office at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston, on Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m. or by appointment.

While in the past residents have generously donated other winter clothing, such as sweaters, hats, scarves and gloves, we cannot accept these items due to space limitations.

Working with Heritage Fellowship Church and others, the coats that are collected will be donated to schools, Head Start programs, community and teen centers, local shelters, nonprofits, faith groups and other community organizations. Last year, we distributed more than 1,000 coats, demonstrating the great need for this coat drive. I encourage our community to give the gift of warmth again this year!

For questions or more information, please contact Jillian Smith in my office by email or call 703-478-0283, TTY 711.

Motion:

Therefore, Mr. Chairman, without objection I ask that the Office of Public Affairs and Channel 16, promote and publicize the Hunter Mill District Winter Coats for Kids drive through their communications channels.