Coats for the Cold is an annual coat drive to collect thousands of coats for those in our area who otherwise may not have a coat during the quickly approaching winter months.

The community is invited to donate new and gently-used men’s, women’s, and children’s coats at any KARM Stores or Prestige Cleaners location. We have extended our deadline for collection to Saturday, November 16th to allow more time to receive those donations.

Those in need of a coat are encouraged to contact local service agencies or churches to receive a coat ticket, then shop at any KARM Stores location with the ticket any time between November 18th through December 7th.

Coats for the Cold History

Coats for the Cold has been a Knoxville tradition since 1985. WIVK-FM started this coat drive when a news story reported that a homeless man had frozen to death on the streets of Knoxville one cold winter night. Since then, Coats for the Cold strikes a powerful chord among the volunteers of East Tennessee. Knox Area Rescue Ministries now spearheads the coat drive in partnership with KARM Stores, who manage all collection, storage, and distribution of the coats.

In 2023, the East Tennessee community helped collect 9,433 coats. Of those, we gave away 8,985 coats in the Knox area; remaining coats were given to Mission of Hope to be distributed in rural Appalachian areas.

Are there particular coats you need?

While all coats are welcome, each year we find we especially need children’s coats and adult coats sized XL and above.

How can I get a coat voucher?

Many area service agencies and churches participate as coat voucher partners. Contact your local church or social service agency to inquire about receiving a voucher.

How does my organization participate in the coat drive?

Feel free to collect coats at your location, then bring them to any KARM Stores location between October 14th – November 9th.

How do I get a poster to help spread the word about our coat drive?

We’ve created several different sizes of posters you can download and print.

8.5 x 11
8.5 x 14
11 x 17

Are volunteers needed to help with the coat drive?

Yes! It takes many hands to sort and hang thousands of coats! Opportunities will be available to help at all KARM Stores locations beginning October 30th. At all KARM Stores locations, each donated coat must be sorted by gender and size prior to November 18th. Additional help is needed to display them properly from November 18th to December 7th. Select a day, time and location to serve and provide the information requested in the “Coats for the Cold Volunteer Opportunities” button below to schedule your volunteer experience. Come be a part of this important community effort!