Charlotte’s 704 Coat Drive is happening again this fall, running now through November 11th.
In its 12 year, presented by Charlotte Mechanical to benefit the Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte, this is the wonderful annual coat drive where you can drop off new or gently used winter coat(s) at donation barrels placed in dozens of locations around town. You can find a searchable list of coat drop-off locations on the webpage here, put in your zip code to find the most convenient. From private businesses to public companies to churches and first responders, you’ll surely find several 704 Coat Drive barrel drop-off spots near you.
What started 11 years ago as a small donation of coats has evolved into Charlotte Mechanical’s largest fundraiser with even larger community impact. The company has donated over 10,000 coats as part of this effort.
Brent Rinehart of the Salvation Army says:
“We continue to serve more than 1,000 people every day/night in Charlotte. We know that, even as the local economy rebounds, many in our community will be left behind. We are working hard every day to assist those who have fallen on hard times. For those experiencing homelessness, we not only provide shelter, but we also help them to find housing, obtain well-paying jobs, and get back on their feet. A coat may seem like a small thing, but when you are facing catastrophe, it’s one less thing you have to worry about. When temperatures are low, the individuals and families we serve can be assured they have a warm coat while waiting at the bus stop for school or work. They can use the funds they would’ve spent on clothing to go toward their savings as they work to get housing. A simple donation of a coat makes a huge impact.”
The annual two-month campaign recruits many, many Charlotte organizations to place coat donation barrels at their businesses and offices, this year from Sept. 5 – Nov. 11. Charlotteans are able to drop off coats at these barrels, or give a monetary donation online. All coats collected will be distributed via the Salvation Army to those in need.
The Checkers Game Free Ticket for a Coat Donation
On Saturday, Oct 22, the 704 Coat Drive is partnering with the @checkershockey ~ If you bring a coat to the game, you will get a FREE ticket to a future game.
The November 11 Zip-Up Event is the Big & Fun Finale
Zip-Up Day is how Charlotte Mechanical “zips up” and finishes their annual Coat Drive. And it’s your LAST chance to give a boost of hope to your 704 neighbors by donating a brand new or like-new coat.
Zip-Up Day takes place in the parking lot of Dilworth Neighborhood Grille for a family-friendly event. You’ll be greeted with free food, music, mascots and some zippy surprises.
FRIDAY, NOV. 11
8 A.M. – 3 P.M.
FREE FOOD: WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
- Dilworth Neighborhood Grille box lunch
ENTERTAINMENT:
- Stilt Walker, Homer the Dragon & Chubby Checker
- Open-air professional photo booth
- Music all day from Carolina DJ Professionals
Can’t Make the Event or Drop-Off? GIVE A MONETARY DONATION
If you can’t make it to one of the Barrel Partner locations, or don’t have any coats to give but still want to help, you can make a monetary donation to The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. All the money donated will go toward buying new coats for those in need. Those coats will be distributed to Salvation Army’s shelters in Charlotte. Every little bit helps to keep Charlotte warm this winter.
If your company is interested in becoming a barrel partner this year, please email 704coatdrive@gmail.com or call 704-900-9981. For more information about the 704 coat drive, visit coatdrivecharlotte.com.
Follow them on social media for updates and latest news at @charlottemechanical on Instagram and Facebook.
