As cooler temperatures approach Southeast Texas, a winter coat can make a meaningful difference for a family trying to stretch its household budget. This holiday season, Fort Bend County Libraries is giving residents of Katy West 2 an opportunity to help neighbors stay warm through a Winter Coat Drive collecting gently used jackets, coats and winter accessories for children and adults.

The drive begins November 2, 2026, with eight Fort Bend County Libraries locations participating, including branches in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Missouri City and Needville, along with the Mission Bend Branch. Donated items will help stock a free Coat Shop Day on December 12, when community members can select winter clothing for themselves and their families.

For parents with growing children, the cost of winter clothing can be particularly frustrating. A jacket that fits one season may be too small the next, and buying coats for multiple children can quickly add up. With recent reports indicating that average jacket prices rose 24% in 2025 compared with previous years, even a relatively short Texas winter can create an unexpected expense.

A Simple Idea Inspired by the Needs of Local Families

The Winter Coat Drive grew out of a familiar parenting challenge for Mission Bend Branch Youth Services Manager Lindsay James, who recently needed to purchase a jacket for her rapidly growing toddler.

James was fortunate to find an affordable coat at a consignment shop, but the experience got her thinking about families who might not have the same opportunity, particularly those balancing the costs of raising several children.

Although Southeast Texas generally experiences milder winters than much of the country, James pointed out that cold weather still creates a need for proper winter clothing.

“There are always those few days here and there when you need a good coat,” James said.

For a parent already managing groceries, utilities, school expenses and other necessities, spending $40 or more on a jacket that a child might only wear a handful of times can be difficult.

“I was lucky to be able to get a coat for my child at a consignment shop for five bucks,” James said. “Not everyone will be that lucky.”

James drew inspiration from successful prom clothing drives and costume swaps held at other Fort Bend County Libraries locations. The idea was straightforward, but meaningful: Give gently used clothing a second life while helping families avoid the expense of purchasing something new.

While donations of adult coats are welcome, the library is placing particular emphasis on children's sizes, recognizing how quickly young children outgrow their winter clothing.

For residents with jackets hanging in closets that no longer fit or rarely get worn, the drive offers a practical way to put those items to good use.

Where to Donate Winter Coats in Fort Bend County

The Mission Bend Branch will accept donations from November 2 through December 7, 2026.

Seven additional Fort Bend County Libraries locations will serve as donation drop-off sites from November 2 through November 30, 2026:

• Albert George Branch Library: Needville

• Cinco Ranch Branch Library: Katy

• Fulshear Branch Library: Fulshear

• George Memorial Library: Richmond

• Sienna Branch Library: Missouri City

• Sugar Land Branch Library: Sugar Land

• University Branch Library: Sugar Land

Donations can be dropped off during each participating library's regular operating hours.

Katy West 2 residents can find branch addresses, operating hours and other location information on the Fort Bend County Libraries locations and hours page.

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What Items Can Be Donated to the Winter Coat Drive?

Fort Bend County Libraries is accepting clean, gently used winter clothing that is ready for someone else to wear.

Accepted donations include:

• Coats and jackets in all sizes, from infants through adults

• Winter hats

• Gloves and mittens

• Scarves

All donated coats and jackets must be in wearable condition, without broken zippers, tears, stains or missing buttons. Library staff reserve the right to refuse items considered inappropriate for the drive.

Items that will not be accepted include long johns, thermal undergarments, socks, boots and similar seasonal clothing or accessories.

Residents are encouraged to check pockets, inspect zippers and buttons, and make sure items are clean before dropping them off.

Free Coat Shop Day Scheduled for December 12 at Mission Bend Branch

The donated clothing will be made available during a Winter Coat Shop Day on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Mission Bend Branch.

The event will include an early-access period for donors followed by a free shopping opportunity open to the public.

Early access for donors: 10 to 11 a.m.

Residents who contribute qualifying items to the Winter Coat Drive will receive vouchers allowing them to shop during the first hour.

The voucher system works as follows:

• One donated coat or jacket earns one voucher.

• Three donated winter accessories, such as hats, gloves or scarves, earn one voucher.

• Multiple donated coats or jackets earn separate vouchers for each qualifying item.

During early access, participants must present their vouchers at the program entrance. Each voucher allows the participant to select one coat. After choosing their items, participants turn in their vouchers to library staff.

Donors are not required to attend Coat Shop Day, so residents who simply want to contribute can do so without participating in the exchange.

• Free public shopping: 11 to 11:30 a.m.

• Beginning at 11 a.m., Coat Shop Day opens to everyone, including individuals and families who did not donate.

• During this final 30-minute period, visitors may take as many available items as they need, while supplies last.

All coats and accessories will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and the library cannot guarantee that particular sizes will be available.

For families hoping to find winter coats for children or adults, the public shopping period provides an opportunity to obtain needed clothing at no cost, without having to make a donation beforehand.

How Residents Can Make a Difference This Winter

Winter clothing is one of those household necessities that can easily be overlooked until the temperature drops. In the Houston area, where a warm afternoon can be followed by a much colder morning, having a dependable jacket available can make school drop-offs, outdoor activities and everyday errands more comfortable.

The Fort Bend County Libraries Winter Coat Drive offers a way for families to help one another using items they may already have at home.

A child's outgrown coat could be just the right size for another student. A jacket sitting unused in a closet could help an adult prepare for a cold morning at work. Even a few donated hats, scarves or pairs of gloves can contribute to the effort.

With multiple donation locations throughout Fort Bend County, residents can choose a participating branch that fits their daily routine, whether they are already visiting the library, commuting through the area or running errands nearby.

What Residents Should Know Before Donating

The most important dates to remember are November 2 through November 30 for donations at the seven additional participating branches, November 2 through December 7 for donations at Mission Bend Branch, and December 12 for the free Coat Shop Day.

Residents planning to participate in early-access shopping should keep the vouchers they receive when donating. Those who only need a coat can attend the public shopping period beginning at 11 a.m. on December 12, with no donation required.

For additional information about participating library locations and hours, visit fortbendlibraries.gov/locations-hours.

As the holiday season approaches, the Winter Coat Drive provides an opportunity to clear out a closet while helping another household prepare for colder days ahead. For local families, that small act of generosity could mean one less winter expense to worry about.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more Fort Bend County community programs, seasonal events and opportunities to support local families.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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