Wheaton residents can donate winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens at collection boxes across the city through the end of October.

The Wheaton Community Relations Commission launched its annual Wheaton Gives Back program for 2026, partnering with the People's Resource Center (PRC), the Downtown Wheaton Association, the Wheaton Park District and other locations to gather new and gently used cold-weather gear. All donations go to PRC, which has served DuPage County families facing hunger and poverty since 1975.

Collection boxes are stationed at sites around downtown Wheaton and at partner locations. A full map of drop-off spots is available on the city's Wheaton Gives Back page.

Residents who prefer to drop items off directly can bring coats to PRC's Wheaton office at 201 S. Naperville Rd. or its Westmont location at 104 Chestnut Ave. PRC accepts donations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., according to the organization's website.

The nine-member commission, chaired by David Sohmer, organizes the drive as part of a broader October push tied to the national Make a Difference Day tradition. In 2020, the commission's Make a Difference Day effort drew 27 volunteers who unloaded 6,789 pounds of food for PRC.

PRC announced Sept. 22 that it is accepting winter coats for all ages ahead of the Oct. 31 collection deadline. The nonprofit's main office phone number is (630) 682-5402.

The gear drive wraps up Oct. 31. Residents with questions can also reach the Community Relations Commission through Wheaton City Hall at 303 W. Wesley St.

Upcoming events in Wheaton, Warrenville and West Chicago

• Wheaton Gives Back gear drive: Collection boxes open through Oct. 31 at locations citywide
• PRC direct donations: 201 S. Naperville Rd., Wheaton, or 104 Chestnut Ave., Westmont; weekdays 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m.–11 a.m.
• Warrenville Library free child screenings: Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Warrenville Public Library. Details here
• West Chicago committee meetings: The City Council's Committee of the Whole continues reviewing a police contract and liquor tax proposal. More coverage