The Bears on Wednesday, in partnership with Jewel-Osco, The Salvation Army and Shur-Way Movers, kicked off their 35th annual Coat Drive, which will run through Feb. 12, 2024.
New and gently used winter coats can be dropped off at all 188 Jewel-Osco stores across Illinois. To find the location nearest to you, please visit ChicagoBears.com/CoatDrive.
"Today is the kickoff of our annual Chicago Bears Coat Drive," Bears head equipment manager Tony Medlin said. "We would like to collect as many coats as we possibly can, so we need everyone's help."
Coats will also be accepted at Soldier Field during the Bears' Nov. 9 game against the Panthers at The Ticketmaster Plaza, Gate 6 and Gate 14. Fans can also donate coats at Bears Fit (155 E Townline Rd, Vernon Hills).
The first 500 fans to donate a coat will receive a coupon for $5 off $50 at Jewel-Osco.
"It is certainly a privilege for The Salvation Army to be engaged in this relationship," Major Kendall Matthews said. "The Salvation Army is looking towards 25,000 coats. We think that this will help to contribute to having warm coats, warm smiles and warm hearts during the holiday season."
"Jewel-Osco loves the partnership with The Salvation Army and the Chicago Bears," Mary Frances Trucco, Jewel-Osco's director of public affairs & government relations said. "The need is greater than ever. We appreciate everyone considering dropping off coats and we encourage everyone to look through their closets, see what they can find and drop off a gently used coat at any of our 188 locations."
Bears receiver DJ Moore also voiced his support for the coat drive Wednesday during his media availability.
"This coat drive – I know it gets real cold here – so to be a part of it with T-Med is going to be special," Moore said. "I plan on donating. I hope everyone plans on donating for the kids that probably need it the most and for some that may have some [coats] but may need some more. They grow, get older, grow out of coats and this coat drive is going to benefit a lot of people."
If you are in need of a coat or have questions, please call The Salvation Army's Holiday Hotline at 773.205.3690.
