Perspective
CMAP Holiday Coat Drive
Ruthann Traylor • January 21, 2026
This holiday season, our Senior Coat Drive wrapped our community in warmth in more ways than one. Through the generosity of twenty-five sponsors, twenty-five brand-new winter coats were purchased and gifted to seniors in our community. Each coat offered protection from the cold, but more importantly, it carried a powerful message: you are seen, valued, and supported.
The joy behind the scenes was just as meaningful. In December, fifteen high school students came together to support the effort, filling the space with laughter and holiday cheer as they wrote 80 heartfelt holiday cards, created festive decorations, and lovingly gift-wrapped each coat. Their enthusiasm and care transformed the project into a true intergenerational celebration of giving.
The coats were presented at a holiday luncheon, a festive gathering filled with warmth and connection. Seniors enjoyed a delicious meal, music, and a lively raffle, all while sharing smiles and conversation with neighbors and community members. The room was full of holiday spirit, reminding everyone present that community is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.
This Senior Coat Drive was more than a seasonal initiative; it was a beautiful example of what happens when generations come together with compassion, creativity, and care. Thank you to our sponsors, students, and community members who made this holiday season a little warmer for our seniors, both inside and out.