Imagine waking up on a frigid morning — and not having a coat.
For many children in our community, this is not a distant possibility. It’s their reality. As the temperatures drop, some students across the Special School District will face the bitter cold without proper winter wear. For children with disabilities, that struggle is real.
That’s why the Special Education Foundation’s Critical Needs Coat Drive, in partnership with the Special School District of St. Louis County, is so important.
Because not every coat fits every child’s needs.
Children who use wheelchairs often can’t wear traditional bulky coats — the material gets in the way of their positioning equipment, including harnesses, head supports, and lateral pads. Others, especially those with sensory sensitivities, may find certain fabrics or tight fits overwhelming or painful.
These children need coats that fit their bodies, their equipment, and their unique comfort needs — coats that allow them to stay warm and feel safe.
Your donation to the Critical Needs Coat Drive ensures that every student — regardless of their disability, sensory needs, or mobility challenges — has a coat designed specifically for them. Every child deserves to feel warm, supported, and ready to take on the day — no matter what challenges they face.
Help us provide specialized coats for children who need them most. Together, we can make sure no child faces winter without warmth — or without the feeling that someone truly cares.
