South Baltimore 7 Launches a 5,000-Coat Drive for City Schools Students

South Baltimore 7’s Steven Johnson with winter coats in the organization’s campaign image.

South Baltimore 7 and Baltimore City Public Schools are asking the city to help students head into winter with new coats. A campaign announced October 28th, 2026 sets a goal of collecting 5,000 new winter coats before winter break, with the effort culminating December 18th.

The Warm Up SoBo campaign will serve students at eight schools across six South Baltimore communities. The participating schools are Arundel Elementary, Bay-Brook Elementary/Middle, Benjamin Franklin High School at Masonville Cove, Curtis Bay Elementary, Historic Cherry Hill Elementary/Middle, Lakeland Elementary/Middle, Maree G. Farring Elementary/Middle and Westport Academy.

More than one way to help

Organizers are seeking new coats and financial contributions, along with people who can organize collections, spread the word or help sort, size and pack donations. South Baltimore 7’s official website links directly to the Warm Up SoBo donation page, giving residents a starting point for supporting the campaign.

Before buying coats in bulk or organizing a workplace collection, contact the campaign about sizes, delivery arrangements and current needs. A collection works best when the donated items match what organizers can distribute. The announcement calls for new coats, so do not assume that a general used-clothing donation will meet this particular request.

A practical South Baltimore connection

South Baltimore 7 describes its broader work as connecting communities around education, housing, public health and safety, and economic opportunity. This drive gives residents a specific, seasonal way to take part in that work. It also gives families, neighborhood groups and local businesses a shared goal they can organize around without waiting for a larger event.

If you are inviting others to contribute, share the official campaign destination and its December 18th end date. Ask organizers where to direct questions rather than circulating unconfirmed drop-off locations. Clear information can make it easier for a small group of neighbors or coworkers to turn interest into useful donations.

Find the campaign through South Baltimore 7’s website, and follow Power1047’s Power Beat coverage for more local efforts connecting Baltimore residents with opportunities to support their communities.