Providing warmth to children across Boston
Donate, volunteer or request help today!
Coat Boston and The Holiday Shop (formerly The Christmas Shop), are charitable giving programs based on the belief that everyone deserves to have a warm coat during the winter – especially the youngest and most vulnerable in the community. Since 2009 Coat Boston has provided new coats, gloves, scarves and hats to children in need in the Boston Public Schools and via community organizations working with underserved children in Boston. The Holiday Shop continues the tradition started by City Mission Society of Boston over 150 years ago to provide gifts to individuals and families in need during the holidays.
These programs are supported by the generous contributions of non-profit and private organizations, religious institutions and individual donors in the metropolitan Boston area that donate new coats, winter accessories and gifts. These are then delivered to our hub for sorting and packing before they are picked up by recipient organizations.
Over 1,000 new coats, winter accessories and hundreds of gifts are provided each year to Boston children and families in need through 30 community-based organizations and public schools.
Providing Warmth
Since 2009, Coat Boston has delivered over 1,000 new winter coats, gloves, scarves, and hats annually to children in need.
Spreading Joy
The Holiday Shop, with a legacy of over 150 years, brings holiday gifts to underserved families and individuals in Boston.
Community-Driven
Our programs thrive on the generous contributions of donors and organizations, ensuring every child has a warm coat and a joyful holiday.
Coat Boston and The Holiday Shop (Formerly The Christmas Shop) were originally established by City Mission Society of Boston to provide winter coats and holiday gifts to individuals and families in need in Boston. In 2023 City Mission closed its doors after over 200 years of social justice work on behalf of the residents of Boston.
As City Mission’s outreach programs were absorbed by other agencies, Coat Boston and The Holiday Shop were established as independent programs in space provided by Hancock Church in Lexington. We are volunteer-led programs committed to connecting the generosity of donors to the needs of our neighbors in Boston.
We welcome donations of new winter coats, gloves, hats and scarfs for children ages infant to teen. Gift cards and new toys are also welcomed.
Check out the Donate page for details on items needed and how to donate.