Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of coat should I buy?
The warmer the better! Our goal is to keep these students warm and provide them with a holiday gift chosen especially for them. For the younger students, feel free to buy fun, colorful outerwear. However, for the bigger sizes, please stick to neutral colors and styles. We want all students to feel comfortable in their coats.
When are the coats due? Where do I drop them off?
Please contact your Team Captain or Group Leader for a drop off location. Eventually, all the Perth Amboy coats end up at Eladio’s family home. There they are sorted for distribution. If your donation is going to a different community, your Group Leader will have the details. Usually, coats are due between December 1st – December 10th for a mid-December delivery.
How should I label my gift bag?
Place your coat, unwrapped, in a gift bag (check out our Shopping Tips section for deals on gift bags). Many donors put tissue paper on top to make the bag really beautiful! On the outside of the bag, please clip a sheet of paper with the following details:
School Name / Child's Name
COAT GENDER AND SIZE
On the back of the sheet please put your own name.
Do all coats go to elementary schools?
Over the years, Cathy’s Kids expanded to help out at the high school level. Please remember that high school students living in poverty are often faced with even more challenges than their younger siblings and peers. They may be responsible for childcare at home or be working to help keep food on the table. It is also socially more difficult for an older student to wear clothing which is ragged and does not fit. Furthermore, some of these students may be in a Special Education program and unable to work. We truly appreciate those of you willing to donate at this level. You can read a letter from one of the high school guidance counselors here.
Do you accept used coats?
Donating used clothing is a great idea, but Cathy’s Kids only accepts brand new winter coats. For used coats, we suggest asking your local schools or churches if they have a “closet”. Our mission is to keep children warm but also to provide them with a gift chosen especially for them, which is why we only accept new items.