Coats for the Children: Bringing Warmth, Hope and Comfort to Families Across the Triangle
For more than 35 years, WRAL-TV and The Salvation Army of Wake County have joined forces through Coats for the Children, one of the region’s most beloved and impactful holiday traditions. Each year, the campaign brings our community together to ensure that children across the Triangle and eastern North Carolina stay warm throughout the winter.
Your donation, whether new or gently used coats, gloves, hats, or financial gifts—helps make the holidays and cold months brighter for families facing hardship. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.
“For more than three decades, our community has stood alongside WRAL and The Salvation Army to support this important effort. This year, the need is especially great, as many families are experiencing economic strain due to inflation on top of the challenges that come with our cold seasonal weather,” said Major Joseph Crawford, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Wake and Lee Counties.
“We have a wonderful opportunity to share warmth and care with local families by providing the gift of a coat for their children. Please know that we cannot do this without your donations—whether coats or monetary gifts. Your generosity is truly appreciated and brings comfort and hope to families who need it most.”
Financial donations can be made here.
Raleigh Orthopaedic Joins the Effort: A Powerful Community Partnership
This year, The Salvation Army of Wake County is delighted to receive support from Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic (ROC) through its long-standing community outreach program, ROC Gives Back.
For more than a century, Raleigh Orthopaedic has served the people of Wake County not only through medical care, but also through consistent community investment. ROC Gives Back continues that legacy by choosing one or two local causes each year and mobilizing staff volunteers to support them.
“We were thrilled to partner with The Salvation Army because of their strong presence and longstanding commitment to serving families in need throughout our community. When we learned about their annual coat drive, we saw a great opportunity to join forces. Our team collected, sorted, and donated coats to help individuals and families facing hardship this winter,” said Tina Doody, Marketing Director at Raleigh Orthopaedic.
Fifteen team members volunteered their time to organize and run the coat drive, expanding the reach and impact of Coats for the Children. The initiative resonated deeply with the staff.
“Health and wellness go beyond medical care. They also depend on having basic needs met. Providing something as simple as a warm, well-fitting coat can make a real difference in someone’s comfort and well-being during the colder months. Supporting this coat drive gave our staff the opportunity to come together and directly help local families in a meaningful way,” Doody added.
A Touch of Kindness: Notes in the Pocket
In a heartwarming gesture, Raleigh Orthopaedic tucked handwritten notes into the pockets of 100 new children’s coats—uplifting messages meant to bring comfort and joy.
Examples included:
- “You are brave, strong, and loved!”
- “Keep smiling, you make the world brighter!”
- “Never forget how special you are.”
“Warmth comes in many forms, and we hoped these notes would bring encouragement and joy to families experiencing difficult times,” Doody shared.
A Community Tradition That Changes Lives
Each year, Coats for the Children reminds us that when a community comes together, small acts of kindness grow into powerful change. Thanks to WRAL’s leadership, The Salvation Army’s mission, partners like Raleigh Orthopaedic, and the generosity of our donors, thousands of local children will be better prepared for the cold months ahead.
Together, we do the most good.