July 8–12, 2024
Dive into your closet - or a local clothing outlet - to help the campus community collect 50 winter coats and jackets that will be distributed in early autumn to Husker students in need.
Starting in early September, students will be able to pick up an item discreetly and free-of-charge through several campus partners.
Drop-off days and location
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | July 8-12, 2024
- University Health Center, Room 127
550 N 19th St, Lincoln, NE
View on map
Why round up the coats in July?
Preparation is vital. To start a coat drive in the autumn is too late...items should already be on hand for distribution to Huskers before the first cold temperatures in September and early October.
If the goal of collecting 50 coats in July falls short, the organizers will have additional time to procure the remaining coats and jackets before the items are parceled out amongst the campus partners.
Every person and group can donate
- Alumni, faculty, staff, parents, local citizens, and neighbors.
- Businesses and community supporters.
- Civic, philanthropic, and social organizations.
- Nonprofit, charitable, and religious groups.
Can I drop off my donated items prior to the designated days in July?
No, unfortunately.
Storage space for the coat inventory is not available until July 8. Volunteers are being mobilized to be on hand for these specific days to assist donators with drop-off, inspection, and cataloging of each item.
If you have items to donate but are unavailable to drop off on July 8-12, send a message to unlgsc@unl.edu to arrange a day and time for drop-off to happen after July 15.
No coat to donate and you want to help? Pick items from the Amazon Wishlist.
Items needed
- Coats and jackets for autumn and winter.
- Adult sizes, with high demand for sizes Medium, Large, and XL.
- Items can be gently used or brand new.
- Items must be clean, well-maintained, and in excellent condition. Used items should be laundered or dry-cleaned before you donate.
Where to find coats and jackets to donate
- Retail clothing store.
- Your closet or storage unit.
- A closet or storage unit of a spouse, partner, significant other or an adult sibling or offspring (You should probably ask them beforehand.)
- Consignment shop.
- Thrift store / Resale shop.
- Yard sale.
Items not to donate
- Winter gloves, scarves, hats, sweaters, fleeces, vests, or other accessories.
- Children-sized coats and jackets.
- Outstretched, threadbare, or color-faded items.
- Stained, torn, or ill-smelling items.
- Unwashed or wrinkled items - items should be ready for students to wear.
- Ugly items.
Operation Warmth is organized by Big Red Resilience and Well-being; Husker Pantry; and Gender and Sexuality Center.