How you can help San Antonio nonprofits keep neighbors warm as coat prices skyrocket

After the price of jackets increased 24% last year, according to consulting firm AlixPartners, San Antonio-area nonprofits are anticipating an increased need for donations to keep neighbors warm this winter.

Although temperatures have remained warmer than average, according to the KSAT Weather Authority, a cold snap could hit suddenly.

“We collect now so that if we have a sudden cold snap, families aren’t scrambling to buy coats,” said Elise Wyatt, the director of community engagement for United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County.

Project Warmth, United Way’s annual coat drive, aims to collect 2,000 new coats to be distributed to more than 650 families in its grant program.

“It can get very expensive to purchase coats every year for kids,” Wyatt said.

District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears is also collecting coats for three nonprofit organizations: Corazón Ministries, Family Violence Prevention Services and Soldiers’ Angels.

“It is literally a lifesaving effort,” said Erika Borrego, the president and CEO of Corazón Ministries, which provides no-barrier services for neighbors experiencing homelessness.

“On a daily basis, we’ll see anywhere from 300 to 400 people walk through our doors for a variety of services,” Borrego said. “When it’s cold, we see such a spike in the number of people coming through our doors.”

Spears said her goal is to collect 700 new and gently used coats for the nonprofits this year. Last year, her office collected 500.

“A warm coat can make a real difference for a child, a parent, or a survivor who needs a little extra kindness this winter,” Spears said.

If you can’t afford to buy a new coat, or to part with a gently used coat, the San Antonio Public Library has a low-barrier way to help people in your community.

The Wall of Warmth is a “take what you need, leave what you can” community initiative that began at the Potranco library branch.

“Staff at our Potranco Branch Library just saw a need in the community,” library spokesperson Dale McNeill said. “People were coming into the library that needed a coat, gloves or a hat.”

Items can be store-bought, handmade or donated — as long as they’re clean. The program accepts coats, gloves, hats, scarves and other warm accessories.

“We have people who like to knit or crochet specifically to bring for the wall of warmth,” McNeill said.

Here’s how you can get involved

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