Coalition Launches Winter Coat Drive for Students
South Baltimore Coalition SB7 aims to collect 5,000 coats for Baltimore city students by winter break.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
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South Baltimore Coalition SB7 has launched its first-ever Warm Up SoBo Winter Coat Drive, seeking 5,000 coats for 5,000 Baltimore city school students by winter break. Eight South Baltimore schools, including Maree G. Farring Elementary Middle School, will benefit from the initiative.
Why it matters
Students without adequate winter coats struggle to attend school in cold weather, and missed days can affect attendance and learning. The drive aims to remove that barrier for students across the city.
SB7 is aiming to collect 5,000 coats for 5,000 students, and its discount allows $20 to buy two coats instead of roughly $50 for one at retail. The source does not state current collection totals or whether the goal is on track.
The players
South Baltimore Coalition SB7
A community coalition in South Baltimore leading the Warm Up SoBo Winter Coat Drive for city students.
Maree G. Farring Elementary Middle School
A Baltimore public school among eight South Baltimore schools benefiting from the coat drive.
The details
Donors can drop off coats at 205 East Patapsco Ave. or give money online through Dec. 18. Notes written at nine South Baltimore affirmation stations will be placed inside each coat for students to receive.
Timeline
Dec. 18: Deadline for online monetary donations.
Winter break: Target deadline for collecting 5,000 coats.
Local Context
Community-led clothing drives have become a recurring way for Baltimore neighborhood groups to supply winter gear to city students, and SB7's effort follows that pattern at a larger scale. The coalition's first-ever drive targets 5,000 coats across eight South Baltimore schools.
Families in South Baltimore can donate a coat or money to help students stay warm enough to attend class. Community members can also write notes that will be placed inside each coat for the students who receive them.
The takeaway
Readers who want to help can drop off a coat at 205 East Patapsco Ave. or donate online before Dec. 18. Writing an affirmation note adds a personal message to each coat.
What happens next
Coat collection continues through winter break, with online monetary donations accepted until Dec. 18.
Further reading
Explore more local giving efforts in the Baltimore Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WBAL.
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