Need for coats, donations greater this winter due to increase in homelessness, food insecurity in San Antonio
San Antonio, TX Five Star Cleaners and Dutch Boy Cleaners continue their 42-year legacy of San Antonio’s coat drive, Cold Days, Warm Hearts that begins December 1 and runs through January 31, 2026. Men’s, women’s and children’s new or gently used coats are in high demand. Increased homelessness and food insecurity have led to a greater need for support this winter for those less fortunate who are served through San Antonio Metropolitan Ministries (SAMMinistries) and Christian Assistance Ministries (CAM), the coat drives beneficiaries.
“SAMMinistries and CAM serve as critical support for those in our community who find themselves in need of shelter, food, clothing, support,” said Nicholas Abuawad, co-owner of Five Star Cleaners and Dutch Boy Cleaners. “It is an honor to work alongside these organizations to help those in need with dignity. Men’s, women’s and children’s coats are needed, but so are direct donations to these organizations who are on the front lines in service.”
The City of San Antonio reported in September that San Antonio has experienced a 14 percent increase in houseless residents since 2023. Point-in-Time (PIT) Count revealed that the number of individuals experiencing homelessness (both sheltered and unsheltered) increased by 7.5% from 2024 to 2025, following a 6.9% increase from 2023 to 2024. “Each year, I am humbled by the outpouring of compassion our community shows through the Cold Days, Warm Hearts coat drive,” said Nikisha J. Baker, President and CEO of SAMMinistries. “Through the generous donations and support, families and individuals experiencing homelessness in San Antonio and Bexar County will feel the warmth and reassurance that they are not alone this holiday season.”
Beginning December 1 through January 31, 2026, donors can bring in a new or gently used coat to Five Star Cleaners’ 11 locations, Dutch Boy Cleaners’ 10 locations or Santikos Theater 10 locations across the city and receive a Santikos popcorn coupon and 30-minute game card, and a $5 gift certificate to any Five Star Cleaners and Dutch Boy Cleaners for their coat donation.
Santikos will host a coat donation event at their Cibolo Theater on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. where donors can drop off new or gently used coats. Direct financial donations to SAMMinistries and CAM also can be made at any coat drop off location by scanning the QR code on the donation box.
Cold Days, Warm Hearts started in 1982 as a small service to the San Antonio community and has grown substantially over the last 43 years. Over 261,000 coats have been collected, cleaned, repaired and distributed across the community.
“San Antonians have giving hearts and show up in force to support their neighbors and community. It’s the reason this coat drive has been so successful for so long,” said Abuawad. “I am grateful for our partners, KENS-5 and Santikos Entertainment, for their continued support. Most importantly, I am thankful for our customers who continue year-after-year to donate gently worn coats. We couldn’t do this without you,”