Coat Drive Collects 1,364 Coats for Families
WFMZ-TV and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms marked the drive's 12th year, with the Salvation Army distributing the coats for free.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Philanthropy
WFMZ-TV and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms collected a preliminary 1,364 coats in their 12th annual coat drive, one more than last year's total. The Salvation Army will distribute the coats to families for free.
Why it matters
The drive supplies warm clothing to local families heading into winter, with each donated coat assigned to a specific family through the Salvation Army. Donors who had unused coats said they preferred them to go to someone who needs them.
The preliminary count of 1,364 coats is one above last year's total, and it does not yet include coats still awaiting pickup at Steel Ice Center and Shankweiler's. The final tally will be confirmed once all collection sites are fully counted.
The players
WFMZ-TV
WFMZ-TV is a television station based in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania that co-sponsors community initiatives such as this annual drive.
Lehigh Valley Phantoms
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and a community partner in the coat drive.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international Christian charitable organization that runs emergency aid and assistance programs, including coat distribution to families in need.
The details
Donations were accepted over a week at the PPL Center, Shankweiler's drive-in, and the Steel Ice Center, with Friday as the main collection day. The coats are now at the Salvation Army Headquarters on North 7th St., where they will be sorted before distribution.
Timeline
Friday, during the week of November collection: main collection day for donations.
Wednesday, December 2, 2026: coats distributed free to families through the Salvation Army.
Philanthropy Pattern
The drive follows the annual seasonal coat-distribution model that the Salvation Army runs with local media and community partners in Pennsylvania. Now in its 12th year, it continues a recurring winter outreach that depends on donated goods flowing through established distribution channels.
Families in need can receive donated winter coats at no cost when the Salvation Army distributes them on December 2. Anyone with spare coats in good condition can plan to donate during next year's drive, which collects at PPL Center, Shankweiler's, and Steel Ice Center.
The takeaway
Unused winter coats can keep a neighbor warm when they are passed along through organized drives like this one. Checking closets each fall and donating to a local collection site is a simple way to help.
What happens next
The coats will be distributed free to families on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, through the Salvation Army.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage to see how other local groups support their neighbors during the holidays.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WFMZ.
