Every Student in Sterling Deserves to Stay Warm This Winter
Winter shouldn't keep a child from learning.
Each fall, the Hunger Response Team of Sterling (HRTS) partners with local schools to provide brand-new winter coats to students identified by school staff as needing additional support.
Last year, thanks to the generosity of our community, more than 400 Sterling students received a new winter coat before the coldest days of winter arrived.
This year, we're working together to make sure every identified student has one again. Schools we are supporting this year: Forest Grove E.S., Guilford E.S., Potowmack E.S., Rolling Ridge E.S., Sterling E.S., Sully E.S., Sterling Middle, Robey H.S., and Park View H.S.
Our Impact
Last Winter:
400+ New Winter Coats Donated
8 Sterling Schools Supported
100% Community Volunteer Powered
Why it Matters
A warm winter coat is about more than staying warm.
It means a student can walk to school comfortably, wait for the bus on a cold morning, play outside with classmates, and focus on learning instead of the weather.
For many families, purchasing a new winter coat simply isn't possible after covering housing, groceries, transportation, and other everyday expenses.
Your generosity helps remove one more worry for a local family.
Schools we are supporting this year: Forest Grove E.S., Guilford E.S., Potowmack E.S., Rolling Ridge E.S., Sterling E.S., Sully E.S., Sterling Middle, Roby H.S., and Park View H.S.
2026 Coat Drive Tracker
Take a look at what we're collecting, and what sizes our schools need the most.
Our tracker is updated weekly. Thank you for helping us keep students in Sterling warm this winter!
How the Winter Coat Drive Works
Schools Identify Students
School counselors, family liaisons, and school staff identify students who may need a new winter coat.
Our Community Responds
Individuals, businesses, churches, scout troops, and community groups donate or sponsor coats.
Volunteers Organize Donations
HRTS volunteers prepare and organize all coat donations by size and distribute to schools based on requests.
Coats Delivered to Schools for Distribution
HRTS partner schools distribute coats directly to students, ensuring every child receives support with dignity and care.
Ways You Can Help
Donate Coats
Bring new or gently used coats in children’s sizes 6-16
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Shop Our Wishlist HERE
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Shop Local: Check stores like Costco and Sam's Club, where children's coats start at just $15-$20
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Drop off donations at 201 E. Frederick Drive, Sterling, VA and look for the Winter Coat Drive bins by the back entrance of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church.
Sponsor a Coat
A gift of $30 provides a brand-new winter coat for a Sterling student.
Host a Coat Collection
Businesses, schools, Scout troops, etc. can organize a coat drive to help HRTS ensure local students stay warm this winter.
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HRTS will provide flyers and collection bins, contact info@hrtsterling.org to organize pickup.
Spread the word!
Share information about our Winter Coat Drive with your friends, neighbors, and local businesses
Thank You to Our Community Partners
The HRTS Winter Coat Drive is made possible by the generosity of local businesses, churches, civic organizations, schools, and neighbors throughout Sterling.
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
Local Friends & Neighbors
Help Keep Sterling Students Warm This Winter
Help HRTS ensure hundreds of Sterling students have a warm winter coat before cold weather arrives.
Whether you sponsor one coat, donate new coats, host a collection drive, or volunteer your time, you'll help a local child head into winter with warmth, confidence, and the chance to focus on being a kid.
Schools we are supporting this year: Forest Grove E.S., Guilford E.S., Potowmack E.S., Rolling Ridge E.S., Sterling E.S., Sully E.S., Sterling Middle, Robey H.S., and Park View H.S.
