Donating a coat is as easy as reaching into your pocket.
New York Cares launched a text-donation program Tuesday to reach its goal of collecting at least 125,000 coats this year.
New Yorkers can donate money toward new coats and shipping in increments of $20 by texting “COAT” to 41444.
Drop-off bins will be in place on Nov. 15.
“We understand that not everyone has an extra coat at home to donate or can make it to a drop-off site, but we know that many people in the metropolitan area can make a text donation.” New York Cares executive director Gary Bagley, said in a statement.
There’s extra need this year, the program’s 28th, because there’s a rise in homelessness and income inequality, as about 60,000 New Yorkers reside in a shelter and 1.7 million city residents live below the poverty line, Bagley said.
The drive will last until Dec. 31 with coat drop-off bins located in offices, police stations, churches and other locations. Log onto www.newyorkcares.org/coat-drive for more information.
