Coats for Kids is a community-driven effort created by our founder, Josh Rohrscheib, inspired by his Aunt Brenda’s simple acts of kindness. As a lunch lady at a local school, Brenda noticed students coming in without coats during the cold Illinois winters and began purchasing coats for those who needed them. Her generosity didn’t go unnoticed. Josh saw firsthand the difference his aunt made in those children’s lives and started Coats for Kids to carry on her legacy. At Onward, we understand how critical it is to support local families and ensure every child has what they need to stay warm, confident, and ready for the season ahead.
Many families face tough choices when the winter months arrive. For some, the cost of a warm coat can be out of reach. That’s why Coats for Kids is dedicated to easing this burden and ensuring children have the warmth they need to face winter comfortably. By working closely with local organizations, we distribute coats directly to kids and families in need, one caring donation at a time.
We work closely with our community to identify schools and local organizations with the greatest need. Once we connect, we coordinate directly with these groups to ensure coats reach children and families who need them most, making a lasting impact where it matters.