This week’s cold weather reminded us how tough winters in St. Louis can be. Even so, our community showed that warmth means more than just coats and gloves; it’s about caring for each other.

We’re excited to share the amazing results of the Special Education Foundation (SEF) Winter Coat Drive, held with the Special School District (SSD).

More Than Just a Coat

For most people, a winter coat is just a basic need. But for students with disabilities, getting the right winter gear can be complicated and costly. Many students need:

• Adaptive Designs: Coats that fit comfortably over wheelchairs, braces, or special equipment.
• Sensory-Friendly Materials: Soft textures and tagless designs for students with sensory sensitivities, including those on the autism spectrum.
• Temperature Regulation: Specialized gear to help students who have difficulty regulating their own body temperature stay safe in the cold.

Surpassing Our Goal

This year, our goal was to raise $5,000 to buy new coats, hats, and gloves for SSD students across the county. Thanks to your generosity, we not only met our goal but also helped hundreds of kids feel more independent and included by raising $5,132.17. This means we can support nearly 150 students!

SEF Program & Communications Manager Shannon Benedek & Executive Director Tim Eby presented the check to Meg Lovera, SSD’s Social Work Effective Practice Specialist

By taking away the challenge of the bitter cold, your donations make sure SSD students can:

• Stay in School: Proper gear reduces absences due to harsh weather.
• Participate Fully: Students can join their classmates for outdoor activities and recess, which helps them connect with others.
• Focus on Learning: When kids are warm and comfortable, they can put their energy into what matters most—their education.

A Heartfelt Thank You

The Special Education Foundation’s mission is to help students served by SSD in ways that tax dollars can’t. Programs like the Student Aid Fund for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.), which includes the coat drive, are possible only because of donors like you.

Whether you gave $50 to buy a coat for a child or shared our posts online, you helped make this possible. You’ve given our students the confidence to face winter and shown their families that they are supported by a caring community.

Thank you for helping us keep our students warm this season!

Want to keep making a difference? Even though the coat drive is over, the S.A.F.E. program supports students all year with food, medical supplies, and emergency help. Visit the SEF website to learn how you can get involved.