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Update, Nov. 12, 2025: The dates for Operation Orange Warmup have been extended to Nov. 17 through Dec. 5.  Collection bins will be at selected residence hall locations through Jan. 16, 2026. The story has been updated to reflect the new dates.

As winter approaches in Central New York, many members of our community will face the cold without a proper winter coat.

Operation Orange Warmup, the University’s annual coat drive, helps address this critical need. Now in its fourth year, the program is collecting new and gently used coats to provide warmth for our most vulnerable neighbors during the harsh winter ahead.

“Winter coats remain an essential need in our community, and this initiative ensures no one has to face the cold without one,” says , professor of practice in the , who helped establish the Operation Orange Warmup initiative. “It’s inspiring to see campus groups come together each year to make a difference. Our partnership with InterFaith Works allows us to extend this support beyond campus to help our neighbors throughout Syracuse as well.”

Since its founding in 2022, Operation Orange Warmup has collected hundreds of coats for students and families in need in Central New York.

This year’s campuswide coat drive will collect donations to assist students and community members in need from Monday, Nov. 17 through Friday, Dec. 5, at various locations across campus.

“Our faculty, staff and students make a significant impact on campus and in our community when they all come together for a cause,” says Jake Losowski, associate director of community engagement. “Whether donating a gently used coat, purchasing a new coat or volunteering, there is an opportunity for anyone who wants to make a difference to get involved.”

Ways to Donate

Donations can be made several ways:

• From Monday, Nov. 17, through Friday, Dec. 5, at Hendricks Chapel, the Schine Student Center on North Campus, Goldstein Student Center on South Campus, Lally Athletic Complex and the Nancy Cantor Warehouse.
• Through Friday, Jan. 16, students can donate in select residence halls. Collection bins will be available in Ernie Davis, Milton, Orange, Day, and Brewster, Boland and Brockway halls.
•  Don’t have an extra coat but still want to donate?  Scan the QR code at any collection bin to purchase a new coat  from the .

Members of the Athletics equipment staff will manage the laundering of the donations before they are given out. Additionally, all children’s coats that are collected will be donated directly to InterFaith Works.