The winter coat drive is an essential initiative at the IRC in Silver Spring, providing warmth and comfort to newly arrived humanitarian immigrants. The IRC in Silver Spring counts on the passion, drive and commitment of volunteers like Sherry and Lindsay, who help us reach our current goal of 500 winter coats. Here’s a look at how they organize their clothing drives for the IRC.

Step 1. Start with a purpose: rally around a cause 

At Temple Shalom, a synagogue in Silver Spring, the Tikkun Olam committee, named for the Hebrew concept that translates to “repair the world”, hold an annual coat drive to support new refugee families resettled by the IRC. Each year since 2018, Temple Shalom members Sherry and David Doggett organize the collection of hundreds of coats, scarves, gloves and hats, with members eagerly filling donation baskets each day in support of their mission. 

“It’s part of who we are now. It’s tradition.” Sherry and David share.  

Tip: Connect your clothing drive to a larger purpose that resonates with your community. Whether it’s faith-based, a school project or a neighborhood initiative, building a shared purpose ensures people feel invested.

 

Step 2. Make it a family activity! 

Lindsay’s drive started with her family. She got her daughters involved by gathering used coats from their own closets and explained how this step helped other families stay warm. 

“It’s something that connects us all as parents. We all want our children to be safe, healthy and happy,” Lindsay explains. 

 

Tip: Involve kids and families in the drive. It not only helps them take part in something meaningful, but also enlists additional help. 

Step 3. Build a team and spread the word 

Having retired to the DMV, Sherry and David are committed to actively supporting refugee families in the community. Temple Shalom promotes the drive at services and Hebrew school gatherings, inspiring overwhelming community effort. With open schedules as retirees, Sherry and David are able to serve as the primary points of contact for coat drives at Temple Shalom. 

Meanwhile, Lindsay takes a different approach by enlisting her family and friends to donate. She posts on social media to reach a broader audience, garnering a large response. 

Tip: Whether you’re organizing through a large group or reaching out to community members personally, spread the word on multiple platforms to build momentum. Consider creating a flier or social media post to make it easy for others to share. 

Step 4. Collect, organize and deliver 

One of the most critical steps to completing a coat drive is logistical coordination. Sherry often handles communications and outreach, while David manages logistics and delivery. One year, they even had two carloads of winter coats.    

“I do the communication and organizing, he does the driving.” Sherry notes.   

Tip: Create a plan for donation storage and transport, and, if possible, partner with someone who can help coordinate donation pickups or provide a space to store donations.

Organizing a clothing drive takes dedication, teamwork, and compassion. As Sherry and Lindsay show, it’s not just about coats; it’s about building community and ensuring every newcomer is supported upon arrival.  

“I wanted my daughters to see the impact, so they know why it’s important to help others. When we delivered our coats, seeing the families who would use them was incredibly moving,” Lindsay reflects.

Sherry comments, “When we arrive with donations, we’re reminded that everyone deserves warmth and dignity. Every coat or pair of gloves is a symbol of welcome and a new beginning,”

Contact the IRC in Silver Spring here or email us at [email protected] to learn how you can start your own drive. 

*Sherry and David both credit the chairpersons of the Tikkun Olam Committee for spearheading the dedication and social justice instilled in Temple Shalom.