UPDATE: Due to recent challenges created by COVID-19, the Bears, Jewel-Osco, The Salvation Army and Wm. Meyers Movers have collectively decided to change this year's coat drive collection process. Coats will now only be accepted at Bears Fit (155 E Townline Rd, Vernon Hills) on Dec. 19-20, Jan. 2-3 and Jan. 9-10. All coats collected will benefit The Salvation Army. Fans who would like to contribute, but are unable to get to Bears Fit, are encouraged to donate to The Salvation Army directly at salvationarmyusa.org or drop off a coat at their nearest Salvation Army location. Find a Salvation Army location by clicking here.
For the past 32 years, the Bears have partnered with local organizations to distribute coats to Chicagoland residents in need.
With a pandemic raging, unemployment high and winter on the horizon, the Chicago Bears Coat Drive brought to you by Jewel-Osco takes on new importance.
"We try to do as much work as we can in the city," said receiver Allen Robinson II, "but especially being able to be a part of something like this, donating coats and being a part of a coat drive, especially with coats being a tremendous need right now due to the pandemic, it's something special I can be a part of."
"I'm blessed enough to be in the situation where I can partake in activities like this," said defensive tackle Bilal Nichols. "Any time you have the opportunity to give back and do things to help people, I feel like you always should do that."
Last year, the initiative collected and distributed more than 16,500 coats. According to head equipment manager Tony Medlin, the team has a goal to increase that number to 25,000 this year.
For information on how to receive a coat, call the Salvation Army at 773-725-1100.
