St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky will give away free coats Saturday, Nov. 14, at two locations in Covington and Florence as part of its 26th annual Winter Coat Drive.

The nonprofit distributed more than 1,650 coats across the region last year, according to the Northern Kentucky Tribune. This year's drive, which launched Oct. 15 and runs through Jan. 31, 2027, collects and distributes coats, hats, gloves and scarves to Northern Kentucky families.

The Nov. 14 giveaways run from 9 a.m. to noon at two sites:

  • John G. Carlisle Elementary School, 910 Holman St., Covington
  • St. Paul Catholic Church, 7301 Dixie Hwy., Florence

Two more distribution events are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon:

  • Life Learning Center, 20 W. 18th St., Covington
  • Newport Intermediate School Gym, 95 W. 9th St., Newport

No registration is required. Each person receiving a coat needs at least one form of ID. Accepted forms include a driver's license, state ID, passport, Social Security card, birth certificate, medical card or consulate card, according to the SVdP NKY website. The limit is one coat per person, per season.

Karen Zengel, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky, said in a statement that the drive helps families who are already stretched thin on rent, utilities and groceries. A winter coat, she said, can feel like an expense that has to wait.

Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Electric is the presenting sponsor. The company's Erlanger headquarters also serves as a collection site.

How to donate

Coat donations are accepted at all four SVdP NKY thrift stores through Jan. 31, 2027. Stores are located in Erlanger, Florence, Falmouth and Cold Spring. The organization accepts coats in all sizes, with a particular need for larger adult sizes (XL through XXXL).

Financial donations can be made through the organization's website, and volunteers are needed to sort coats and help at distribution events. Those interested can email [email protected].