Israel Launches Nationwide Winter Coat Collection Campaign for Families in Need
Israel launches the "Winter Hug" nationwide coat collection campaign to support families in need amid rising living costs, aiming to distribute warm clothing with dignity.
A nationwide winter coat collection initiative titled "Winter Hug" has been launched across Israel, calling on citizens to donate clean, good-condition coats to families in need ahead of the cold season. The campaign is a joint effort by Ruah Tova from the Arison Group, Social Transport, the Yosef Project, and Pitchon Lev.
Nationwide Collection Network
Coats will be gathered at hundreds of designated drop-off points nationwide, including municipal authorities, local businesses, private homes, educational institutions, and youth movements. Organizers emphasize that the donated items will be distributed to families facing economic hardship, ensuring they can get through the winter with warmth and dignity.
Last year alone, the initiative collected approximately 12,500 coats, pushing the cumulative total past the 100,000 milestone since the project's inception. Citizens are encouraged to sort through their wardrobes and clear out items that no longer fit or are no longer in use.
Voices from Leadership
Ido Lotan, CEO of Ruah Tova, highlighted the community-driven nature of the campaign:
"The strength of 'Winter Hug' lies in the ability of an entire community to mobilize around a simple act. Residents who donate, workplaces that centralize collection, and municipalities that connect citizens to the initiative each play a vital role."
Eli Cohen, CEO of Pitchon Lev, pointed to the pressing economic challenges facing many households:
"With the rising cost of living placing heavy burdens on numerous families in Israel, purchasing winter coats for every household member becomes an additional financial challenge. This campaign provides a basic necessity while upholding the dignity of those receiving support."
Tomer Shemesh, CEO of Social Transport, added:
"We cannot ignore the harsh reality where citizens in Israel are forced to sleep in coats due to heating costs. True warmth comes from people who see you, and this initiative is designed to wrap them in care."
