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Eleven collection sites are open now through Jan. 10, gathering coats, blankets and essentials for Chicagoans facing homelessness
Chance the Rapper is asking Chicago to show up for its neighbors again. His nonprofit, SocialWorks, has opened the ninth annual Warmest Winter drive, with 11 collection sites across the city accepting donations from Nov. 2, 2026, through Jan. 10, 2027.
The drive stocks winter supplies for people experiencing homelessness. Sites are collecting coats, jackets, scarves, gloves, hats, blankets and socks — new or gently used — along with new or gently used toys. Hygiene products, including soap, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, must be new. Diapers, baby clothes and other baby essentials are also welcome. Food and canned goods are not accepted.
“For nine years, Warmest Winter has brought Chicagoans together around a simple belief: everyone deserves warmth, dignity, and care,” SocialWorks said in its announcement.
More Than a Holiday Drive
Warmest Winter runs beyond the collection window. SocialWorks operates the effort year-round, pairing the clothing drive with volunteer work and community outings, and its SocialThreads clothing pantry — run with Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services — offers free clothes, toys and hygiene supplies that people can choose for themselves.
Chicago students are already part of the tradition. Last winter season, Owen Elementary’s Class of 2026 collected eight bags of shoes, cold-weather clothing, hygiene supplies and baby items for the SocialWorks closet — the Ashburn school’s third year taking part, according to Chicago Public Schools.
Chance’s winter giving stretches back more than a decade; his 2016 Warmest Winter campaign raised $100,000 to put coats on Chicago residents experiencing homelessness. This past May, he was among the honorees at TIME’s philanthropy impact dinner in New York, where he framed the work simply: “We’re continuing to look out for the children, that we are building a world that’s safe for them.”
Donors can find the full collection-site map in SocialWorks’ announcement — and should check building access and holiday hours before heading out.
Source: SocialWorks announcement, via AllHipHop, Nov. 3, 2026
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