The Coats for Kindness Campaign Aims to Keep Mainers Warm

Once again this year, Gold Star Cleaners is collecting gently used coats to distribute to those in need.

Maine Organizations Work Together to Get Gently Used Warm Coats to Those in Need

As I sit here shivering in my office (why is this room always cold?), I'm trying to imagine getting through a Maine winter without a warm coat to keep me cozy.

The sad truth is, many people in Maine do exactly that.

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But thanks to generous donors and the folks at Gold Star Cleaners, Penquis, and WS Emerson, many will have great, gently used winter coats to fend off the cold.

Donate Your Gently Used Winter Outerwear to Maine's Coats of Kindness Campaign

Donating is easy.

To start, open your closet and take a look at your coats. If you find one (or more) that's still in good condition but that you don't plan to wear anymore, take it to a Gold Star Cleaners location, drop it off, and they'll do the rest.

It's just that easy.

The Coats of Kindness campaign officially kicks off on November 1, 2026, but you can make your donation now at any of these Gold Star Cleaners locations:

• 220 Union Street in Bangor
• 200 Wilson Street in Brewer
• Brewer Shopping Center in Brewer
• Corner of Main & Depot Streets in Lincoln
• University Mall in Orono
• Old Town Plaza in Old Town

The generous folks at Gold Star will clean the coats before giving them to Penquis will get them to people in need.

Maine's Coats of Kindness Campaign Accepts Coats and Financial Donations

If you don't have a coat to donate but still want to help, Penquis is accepting financial donations on its website. Just select 'Coats of Kindness' from the drop-down menu on the donation form.

That money will buy coats from community partners like WS Emerson.

Finally, people who need a coat can stop by the Penquis offices in Bangor, Lincoln, Dover-Foxcroft, or Rockland, starting in November, to pick out a coat.