Thanks to your generosity, people in need have been able to stay warm this holiday season. The coat drive through ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One has now distributed a total of 177 coats to five local charities.

Our first donation of 35 coats went to Pilsen Wellness Center on December 20. Here are the rest that followed.

On December 21, StreetWise received 30 men’s coats and assorted sweaters, hats, scarves and gloves. StreetWise assists Chicago-area men and women who are facing homelessness to achieve personal stability by providing a combination of supportive social services and immediate access to gainful employment.

On December 27, the Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago picked up a total of 32 men’s, women’s and kid’s coats (as well as scarves, hats, gloves, a pair of boots and three snowsuits! The ECAC is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to serving the cultural, psychological and socio-economic needs of refugees and immigrants in and around metropolitan Chicago.

The next day saw another warm donation as the South Central Community Services Inc. picked up 35 coats. SCCS is a comprehensive human-service agency committed to improving the quality of life for individuals and families by providing quality mental health, educational, socio-economic and recreational programs and services throughout Illinois.

Finally, the zoo made its fifth donation when Erie Family Health Center stopped by today! They received 45 coats and an assortment of hats, scarves and gloves. Erie Family Health Center's mission is to provide quality, community-responsive, cost-effective primary health care regardless of color, creed, gender, age, language or ability to pay.

Haven’t donated a coat yet? ZooLights runs through January 6, so there’s still a chance to come by, enjoy the lights and make a difference.