Harlem’s St. Nicholas Park bundled up today as the NYC Free Coat Drive drew 3,000. Over 5,000 coats—parkas, fleece—given out; a Bronx mom’s thank-you went viral on X with 6,000 shares. Free gloves—1,000 pairs gone—kept hands toasty. Hot soup tents—500 served; 36°F skies cleared. NYC’s care—community shines.
Organizer Amina Cole, 45, led 50 volunteers—donations poured in. A Brooklyn church’s 1,000 jackets—new—sparked tears; kids grabbed first. Pop-up scarf stalls—200 knitted—added warmth. New heaters—eco-smart—kept tents cozy. St. Nicholas’s vibe—NYC’s giving heart.
It’s not perfect—lines hit 30 minutes; tempers flared. Some sizes short—teens missed out. Still, 5K coats, 3K souls—drive’s a hit. Post-event, 125th Street buzzed—gratitude flowed. Annual rite—NYC warms.
Cole’s 45—giving hero? Mom’s 32—hope’s voice. Harlem warmed; NYC glowed. Coat Drive—bundle on.
