Koats for Kids

Saturday, November 4, 2023 - pre-registration required

For families in need of support, please complete the form here to book your time slot to come between 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If no appointments are available, it is first come, first serve AFTER 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 4th. Last entry will be at 3:30 p.m. (or while donations last).

If you have an urgent/immediate need, please refer to the Helping Yourself Through Hard Times booklet for other organizations who may be able to assist you.

“Koats for Kids” is a community service of BGC London with area businesses and service clubs acting as partners in this very worthwhile undertaking – to ensure that children and youth are warm in the winter! Members of the Horton Street Seniors’ Centre, Club staff, students and community volunteers help distribute gently used coats and winter outer apparel to members and their families, and to the community until donations run out.

One coat will be given to each child/youth (0 to 18 years old) free of charge while quantities last. Proof of age will be required for each individual receiving a coat. Children and youth don't have to be present to receive a coat but proper identification is required.

Coats are not available for anyone over the age of 18. However, we do accept donations of adult size coats for youth.

Support Koats for Kids

Help us ensure that all children and youth are safe and warm this winter by donating to Koats for Kids! Our goal is to distribute hundreds coats to children and youth ages 0-18 and we need your help.

Please consider making a monetary donation to the campaign, dropping off items, or helping us spread the word.

All monetary donations are used to buy new coats for children and youth.

Donate Online:

Make an online donation using one of our secured, online donation pages - Zeffy or CanadaHelps.

Donate by Mail:

184 Horton Street East, London, ON N6B 1K8
Please make the cheque out to “Boys and Girls Club of London” and write “Koats for Kids” in the memo.

Donation Drop-off (September 2023 to October 2023)

8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday (except on PD Days and holidays)
BGC London (the Boys and Girls Club of London)
184 Horton Street East
London, ON N6B 1K8

We collect winter coats and winter outerwear in new and like-new condition. We look for:

• Winter coat – especially for boys ages 8-14 (Youth Medium, Youth Large, and Youth Extra Large) and adult-sized coats for youth of all genders
• Snow pants (all sizes)
• Store-bought hats, gloves, and scarves (we have an oversupply of hand-made items – thank you!)
• Snow boots in child, youth, and adult sizes (please double check snow boots for holes and gaps in the soles and stitching)
• Vests
• Winter coats and snow pants that need MINOR mending are accepted - please make sure to note on the bag that there are items that need mending so we can quickly send it to Fashion Fit.

We cannot accept:

• ANY items with large holes and tears, stains, pet fur, smells or are visibly dirty
• Fall, spring, or rain coats
• Boots not suitable for the snow, such as fashion or rain boots, running shoes, or slippers
• Sweaters, shirts, or pants

Please wash and bag all donations prior to drop-off at BGC London or one of our community drop-off locations. To ensure that all families have access to affordable winter clothing, we ask that you do not buy items from thrift stores or second-hand stores to donate to us. Thank you for your understanding.

Koats for Kids Partners

Thank you to the students and faculty at Fanshawe College's Fashion Design program (Fashion Fit) for mending rips and tears, and replacing zippers on winter coats and snow pants.

For more information, to volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact:

Christina Yung
Executive Assistant and Fund Development
519-434-9115 ext. 241
[email protected]