Chicago Bears Launch 38th Annual Coat Drive with Jewel-Osco
The Chicago Bears announced on Oct. 28, 2026, that the team launched its 38th annual coat drive in partnership with Jewel-Osco, The Salvation Army and Shur-Way Movers to collect winter outerwear for people in need across Chicagoland. The campaign seeks donations of new and gently used coats for children, families and individuals who need warm outerwear during the colder months. The effort continues a long-running community initiative that the Bears began in 1988 to collect coats for people in need.
Tony Medlin, the Bears’ director of equipment, and tight end Colston Loveland joined representatives from Jewel-Osco, The Salvation Army and Shur-Way Movers at a press conference at Halas Hall to launch the drive. The Bears said fans can donate coats at more than 190 participating Jewel-Osco stores across Illinois through Feb. 28, 2027. Fans may also bring donations to Bears Fit in Vernon Hills at 155 E. Townline Rd., and fans do not need a gym membership to drop off coats. Representatives from the partners attended to encourage participation and support the logistics of the campaign.
The Bears set a goal to collect more than 25,000 coats during the campaign. Jewel-Osco will serve as the primary collection partner, Shur-Way Movers will transport donations, and The Salvation Army will distribute coats to children, families and individuals throughout Chicagoland. The drive has grown over nearly four decades into one of the Bears’ longest-running community programs.
People seeking winter outerwear should contact The Salvation Army Holiday Hotline at (773) 353-8607 for information on how to receive a coat. Fans who wish to find the nearest donation location or learn more about the coat drive can visit ChicagoBears.com/CoatDrive. The Bears encouraged supporters to donate early to help reach the campaign’s target ahead of the coldest months.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Chicago Bears’ 38th annual coat drive illustrates how an NFL franchise can use retail and nonprofit partners to address seasonal needs in its region. The stated goal of more than 25,000 coats and collection sites at more than 190 Jewel-Osco stores provides a clear operational framework if fan participation is strong. Assigning collection, transport and distribution roles to Jewel-Osco, Shur-Way Movers and The Salvation Army should streamline the delivery of donations. Success will depend on contributions from fans and community partners across Chicagoland through Feb. 28, 2027.