The Coat Drive is such a huge undertaking every year that starting in November we barely see our Seasonal Events staff because they spend all their time in the warehouse, and we have to hire additional help. This year was no different, and was in fact, our busiest ever. Lauren Glattly stepped up to fill one of our seasonal positions in the warehouse, and wrote about her experience below. 

It was a record-breaking year for the 24th Annual New York Cares Coat Drive, and all of us here at the Coat Drive warehouse would like to send a tremendous “thank you” to everyone who donated a coat, as well as the many volunteers who donated their time and helped us sort the donations. 

Starting the very first day of the Coat Drive, in rapid response to Hurricane Sandy, coats poured in from all over New York and the rest of the rest of the country to banish the cold from New York this winter. Out of the estimated 100,000 coats we’ve received and sorted so far, 70,830 coats have already gone out to 282 agencies, and 87 more agencies will pick up coats in the following weeks.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from friends and strangers, neighbors nearby and some as far as Hawaii. We were touched by the interest and enthusiasm of all who came in person to donate coats, including many classes of school children. One very precocious third-grader, who, after asking many pertinent questions about our sorting and distribution process, concluded simply, “You guys are doing a good, good thing here.”

In person, in post, in trunks, and in trucks, they came. Coats of every shape and color — big coats, small coats, fuzzy coats, sleek coats, huge boxes of brand new coats, and even hot pink leopard print coats. Many were sent along with loving messages of warmth, hope, and healing, like the one pictured left. We only wish that all who received a coat could also have seen these many notes of kindness and care, and that those who donated could hear the words of gratitude expressed by those in need.

Although we hope that New York never experiences another storm like Hurricane Sandy, it was truly awe-inspiring to see people pull together in the face of disaster as New Yorkers, as Americans, and as human beings, to help one another. Thank you again for making the 2012 Coat Drive our most successful ever.

By Lauren Glattly       

We know you guys care about New York Cares; now here’s our way to show us how much we care about your work!

We’re offering prizes to the top fundraisers on two day days leading up to New York Cares Day, and today is the first Super Fundraising Day. Raise the most money before midnight, and you might win a Nintendo Wii!

Ask your family, friends, coworkers, friendly neighborhood bodega – anyone – to donate on Super Fundraising Days for your chance to win. The next one is October 21.

The clock is ticking; get fundraising now!

Since 1989, the New York Cares Coat Drive has collected over 1 million coats for New Yorkers in need – between 70,000 and 80,000 coats each year. A crucial element in making this happen is the availability of donated warehouse space where we receive, sort, and distribute the contributed coats to hundreds of nonprofit agencies.

Unfortunately, the space we’ve used for the past three years is no longer available, so we are now urgently seeking alternative space. The Coat Drive warehouse is the logistics hub for the entire operation. Can you help?

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Are you a dog or cat person? Perhaps you love playing with kids? Does getting your hands dirty make you feel accomplished?

New York Cares is launching a new community on Crowdrise, an online fundraising platform created by actor and activist Edward Norton, that allows you to raise money and awareness for the programs you care about. Join our team and use Facebook, Twitter, and good old-fashion email to ask people you know for a few bucks to support your volunteer work.

Crowdrise offers awesome prizes to the top fundraisers and point earners. Go head to head with Will Farrell and Seth Rogen to compete for an iPad – new laptop anyone? Even better, your efforts will expand our volunteer opportunities, helping more New Yorkers in need.

What are you waiting for? Give it a try!

Your last chance to be a Super Fundraising Day winner is Thursday, April 22! Win a roundtrip Jetblue Airways ticket by raising the most money for Hands On New York Day before midnight.

Anyone who raises even $150 will win a prize from our suite of Cares Wear. See what you could win, and read our fundraising tips to get started asking friends, family, and coworkers to donate in honor of your volunteer service.

On three Thursdays leading up to Hands On New York Day, we’re giving away great prizes to the top fundraisers. On April 8, the volunteer who raises the most money in 24 hours will win a Flip MinoHD digital video camera, designed by New York artist Ridge Rooms.

So far volunteers have raised $30,000. Help us reach our goal of $120,000. Even if you can’t make the event, you can still compete for fundraising prizes by joining the Virtual Volunteers team.

Don’t miss your chance to win – ask your family, friends, and coworkers to donate in your name on these Super Fundraising Days. On April 15, you could win a $350 Theory gift card, and on April 22, you could win a round-trip JetBlue ticket.

With public services that are already strapped for resources facing even more budget cuts this year, the work that volunteers will do on Hands On New York Day is crucial to keeping our city’s public spaces clean and green.

This incredible day of service is also a critical fundraiser that enables New York Cares to put volunteers to work all year long at struggling city agencies, community centers, and public schools.

Take the $150 Challenge and help us reach our goal. If all Hands On New York Day volunteers raise $150 in honor of their service, New York Cares could provide $4.5 million in service to the community. Set your goal even higher and join the Team Green fundraising club.

There’s still time to register for Hands On New York Day, but even if you can’t attend the event, you can make a big impact by fundraising as a Virtual Volunteer or making a donation. Learn more about what we can accomplish with your donations.

Support New York Cares and check out Twipple, the kindest feed on Twitter.

Twipple creates ripples of good will with random acts of kindness. In celebration of its first birthday, Twipple has published a book of its best Twipple suggestions. A portion of the sales will support New York Cares.

Check out Twipple and enter the competition to win a free copy of the book for yourself or a loved one.

The devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday has affected an estimated 3 million people that desperately need your help.

Emergency relief organizations are already on site providing water, shelter, medical care, sanitation facilities, and other supplies. Help them aid survivors by making a donation today to one of these organizations or the nonprofit of your choice.

We plunged into the new year and the icy waters off the Coney Island Boardwalk on January 1 for the last hurrah of the New York Cares Coat Drive. Thanks to the Coney Island Polar Bear Club and everyone who came out to jump in or donate a coat. We’ve received tens of thousands of coats so far, and we’re still counting!