Free Winter Coat Community Giveaway Jan. 10th From Beacon High School Student Council

I Am Beacon has announced via press release that Beacon community members are invited to attend the Winter Coat Giveaway from the Beacon High School Student Council on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9:30–11:30 AM at St. Andrew/St. Luke Episcopal Church, located at 15 South Ave., Beacon, NY.

The event is the culmination of the annual Winter Coat Drive, a student-led initiative designed to ensure children and teens across Beacon have access to warm winter clothing. BSCD Superintendant Landahl told Beacon families in this week’s Superintendent Weekly Update email: “This was a great partnership with our Beacon High School students, and I Am Beacon. Thanks to the community for donating over 300 coats!”

The Winter Coat Drive is led by Beacon High School Student Council and supported by a strong network of community partners, including National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Beacon City School District, I Am Beacon, and Dutchess Outreach. Together, these organizations work to ensure that every donated coat directly benefits a local resident in need.

The project unfolds in three phases: District-wide Community Collection Period, School-Based Distribution, and a Public Community Giveaway. The Public Community Giveaway phase is this weekend.

Timothy Newman, Social Studies teacher at Beacon High School and faculty advisor to the Student Council, serves as the Lead Coordinator for the Winter Coat Drive. This initiative is coordinated with the help from Kimberly Gonzalez, a 6th Grade teacher at Rombout Middle School, whose support and collaboration were instrumental in organizing both the collection efforts and organizing the community giveaway event.

“The Winter Coat Drive reflects the power of student leadership and community collaboration,” said Reuben Simmons Jr., Executive Director and Founder of I Am Beacon. “By working together, we are able to meet immediate needs while also engaging young people in meaningful service.”

Community members are encouraged to attend the January 10 giveaway. Any remaining coats after the event will be donated to Dutchess Outreach to continue supporting individuals in need.