The Chicago Bears have kicked off their 38th Annual Coat Drive in partnership with Jewel-Osco, The Salvation Army and Shur-Way Movers, continuing a longstanding effort to collect winter coats for children, families and individuals in need throughout the Chicagoland area.

To officially launch this year's Coat Drive, Chicago Bears Director of Equipment Tony Medlin, tight end Colston Loveland and a representative from The Salvation Army spoke at a press conference at Halas Hall to kick off this year's drive and encourage fans to donate. Representatives from Jewel-Osco and Shur-Way Movers were also in attendance to support the launch. Fans can donate new or gently used coats at more than 190 participating Jewel-Osco stores across Illinois through Feb. 28, 2027. Fans can also drop off coats at Bears Fit in Vernon Hills (155 E. Townline Rd.), where no gym membership is required.

The goal for this year's drive is to collect more than 25,000 coats for children, families and individuals across Chicagoland. Donations collected throughout the campaign will be distributed through The Salvation Army to help provide winter outerwear to residents in need during the colder months.

"I would like to thank everyone for being part of our Chicago Bears Coat Drive," Medlin said. "It is that time of year again, our 38th Annual Chicago Bears Coat Drive. We are grateful to have the opportunity to collect as many coats as we possibly can and help those in need, and we are fortunate to partner with Jewel-Osco, The Salvation Army and Shur-Way Movers. If you, or anyone that you know, would like to donate a coat, we are happy to accept your donation and help our neighbors in need. We cannot do this without all of your help."

"This is the Chicago Bears' 38th year of doing the Coat Drive, that's pretty impressive and super special," Loveland said. "I think every one of us can connect to this in some type of way, or have felt that giving back is something that brings life to us. Huge shout out to T-Med and everyone who he's working with, Jewel-Osco and everyone who is supporting. I could only imagine growing up not having clothes to put on to walk to school or get off the bus. I can't directly feel for people in those situations, but I can understand that that is a big deal and a very important cause. If you have a coat to donate, please do so and help those in need."

The Bears Coat Drive began in 1988 through an effort by members of the team's Equipment Department to collect coats for people in need. Over nearly four decades, the program has grown into one of the organization's longest-running community initiatives, with thousands of coats collected and distributed throughout the Chicagoland area.

Jewel-Osco, The Salvation Army and Shur-Way Movers work alongside the Bears throughout the campaign to collect, transport and distribute donated coats. Jewel-Osco serves as the primary collection site across the region, while Shur-Way Movers transports donations and The Salvation Army helps distribute coats to children, families and individuals throughout the Greater Chicago area.

For individuals seeking a coat to stay warm this winter, please contact The Salvation Army Holiday Hotline at (773) 353-8607.

To find the nearest donation location and learn more about the coat drive, visit ChicagoBears.com/CoatDrive.