Plymouth Nonprofit Coated in Love Collects Coats at Chick-fil-A

Plymouth nonprofit Coated in Love is teaming up with Chick-fil-A for this year’s winter coat drive. Organizers are asking that people donate new coats, especially for adults, to help the homeless. There are bins placed in 16 stores across the Twin Cities, including in Brooklyn Park and in Maple Grove. This year’s goal is to collect at least 1,500 winter coats.

“We want to provide them with some of the basic necessities that are really going to bring hope and joy to their lives. Chick-fil-A has been a great partner in helping us do that,” said Amy Cheney, one of the board directors of Coated in Love. 

The nonprofit will host its annual “3,000 Acts of Kindness” event at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Dec. 13. The event is an opportunity for those facing homelessness to have a meal, explore different health resources and to receive donations such as blankets, hats, gloves, scarves and winter coats. Chick-fil-A will also be helping to feed the homeless and the volunteers.

Danielle Igbanugo, executive director of Coated in Love, had the vision for serving the homeless years ago.

“It’s everywhere we look, it’s everywhere we go,” said Igbanugo. “There’s a story behind every single person experiencing homelessness. I don’t know it, they know it, and I’m not here to know it. I’m here to help.”

When donating coats, the organizers are reminding people to be mindful of what they choose to give.

“When you think about giving gifts to other people you want to give them a gift they’re going to appreciate, that they’re going to love, that they’re going to really cherish. You wouldn’t want to get a winter jacket for Christmas that someone has worn for years on end,” said Cheney.

You can donate a coat at Chick-Fil-A restaurants in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud and get a free chicken sandwich on Nov. 20 or 27.

Brooklyn Park | Maple Grove