Queer Community Helps Bring Winter Relief with Coat & Boot Drive

By Bobbie Fenno

Erie's queer community came together in a powerful show of compassion and collaboration on January 31, 2026, as this winter's Warm Coat and Boot Drive achieved its most successful turnout to date. With Erie experiencing a consistently cold and challenging winter, the outpouring of generosity felt especially meaningful.

Organizers reported the largest volume of donations ever collected since the drive began, along with the greatest number of queer organizations and volunteers working side by side. By the end of the day, volunteers transported two vanloads and four SUVs filled with coats, jackets, boots, hats, gloves, and blankets to Community Shelter Services, ensuring vital winter supplies reached individuals and families in need.

"It was incredible to see how many people showed up, not only with donations, but with their time and energy," organizers shared. "This drive has always been about more than coats. It's about community, solidarity, and taking care of one another."

Several participating organizations also helped expand the effort's reach by collecting items at their facilities in the weeks leading up to the main event, making it easier for the community to contribute.

Participating LGBTQIA+ and ally organizations included:

• Aging With Pride
• Ascend Climbing/Queer Scouts
• Bears Do Dinner
• Cathedral of St. Paul
• Central Outreach Wellness Center (Erie)
• Compton's Table
• Erie Gay News
• Erie Trans Picnics
• Family Services of NW PA
• Free Mom Hugs
• G2H2
• Journey to a Trauma Informed Life
• LBT Women
• The LGBT Fund of The Erie Community Foundation
• NW PA Pride Alliance
• National Fuel PrideFuel & Allies
• TransFamily of NW PA
• Wabtec's Pride ERG
• Werner Books & Coffee
• Whee! Design
• The Zone

As winter continues, organizers hope this year's drive's success will inspire even more collaboration and community-led efforts in the future. Organizers are planning to have a food drive in May, with more details to come soon. For more information on how you can donate or get involved, contact Michael Mahler at info@eriegaynews.com or reach out to any of the organizations listed above.

About the Author

Bobbie Fenno Bobbie Fenno (She/Her) joined as a contributing editor in 2025, but has been involved with Erie Gay News as a folding volunteer previously. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor's degree in Business, a certificate in Project Management, and an Associate's in Information Technology. Bobbie is also an active member of the LBT Women of Erie group and was also a board member for the NWPA Pride Alliance for four years (2021-2024).

Photos

Also view photos here.