Donate winter outerwear for children in need

Published on November 15, 2021

The weather is getting colder and the wind stronger as we head into the winter months. Most of us have the jackets, sweatshirts and coats to wear for more warmth, but some do not. Menlo Park, in partnership with Recology San Mateo County, collects new and gently used coats to donate to those in need as part of the annual Coats for Kids program.

From Monday, Nov. 8, through Friday, Nov. 12, drivers from Recology will collect coats curbside from residential homes on their collection day in its service area, including Menlo Park and other Peninsula cities and unincorporated area of San Mateo County.

Residents in the participating communities are asked to place coats in a clear plastic bag marked “Coats for Kids” and to then place the bag next to or on the top of their blue Recycle Cart on their regular collection day, during the week of Nov. 8–12.

Collection containers labeled “Coats for Kids” will also be placed at various locations throughout participating cities from Nov. 9–20. The drop off locations can be used by anyone interested in donating, even if their city is not participating in the program this year. The locations in Menlo Park include:

Arrillaga Family Recreation Center
700 Alma St.
Monday-Friday, Nov. 9–20
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

West Bay Sanitary District Office
500 Laurel St.
Monday-Friday, Nov. 9–20
9 a.m.–3 p.m.

At the end of the drive, Recology will deliver all of the donated coats to local nonprofit agencies for distribution to those in need. In the past, coats were donated to families in need through St. Anthony’s and Samaritan House.