RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources has begun its annual “Coats Cause We Care” Children’s Coat Drive.

If you have any new or gently used/clean coats, you are asked to donate them to the many drop-off locations around town. The department's goal is to provide 500 coats to children in need.

“Unemployment has skyrocketed, and there are many families in the Raleigh and Wake County area that are struggling. Just as we have families that don't have, we have people in your community that have an abundance and the ability to give to the less fortunate. We can be a blessing to those who are less fortunate by donating a new or gently used coat to a child in need,” says Grady Bussey, who is spearheading the event.

All of the coats collected will be given to families on Saturday, November 21 at the Sgt. Courtney T. Johnson Community Center in Raleigh at 11 a.m.

A list of drop-off locations are listed below:

Barewell Road Community Center
3935 Barwell Rd.

Courtney T. Johnson Center
1801 Proctor Rd.

Lions Park Community Center
516 Dennis Ave.

Greystone Recreation Center
7713-55 Leadmine Rd.

Abbots Creek
9900 Durant Rd.

Green Road Community Center
4201 Green Rd.

Five Points Center for Adults
2000 Noble Rd.

You can also volunteer as a Coat Captain by gathering coats from your friends, neighbors, and co-workers! For more information on Coats Cause We Care, contact Grady Bussey at Grady.Bussey@raleighnc.gov.