March 4, 2026 -
South Burlington, VT – Vermont Federal Credit Union (VFCU) and WCAX today announced the successful completion of their third annual Great Vermont Coat Drive, surpassing last year's donation record with more than 1,200 coats collected. The drive concluded on February 20, 2026, with donations distributed to nonprofit organizations across the state.
This year's drive introduced a new community partner, Gadue's Dry Cleaning, which professionally cleaned all donated coats before distribution, ensuring recipients received garments that were not only warm, but fresh and ready to wear. The addition of Gadue's reflects the growing momentum of the event and the credit union's commitment to treating every donation with the care it deserves.
The coat drive is one of many ways Vermont Federal puts its values into action. In 2025, VFCU employees dedicated more than 2,400 hours to supporting communities throughout Vermont, volunteering at local nonprofits and lending a hand wherever they were needed.
"We are actively involved because we live in our communities. For us, it's personal," said Jean Giard, President & CEO of Vermont Federal Credit Union. "We started this coat drive because there's a real, significant need for warm coats in Vermont winters. It's not just a coat. It's caring for individuals who are unable to buy one, and for those struggling to put food on the table. Vermont Federal cares about our communities because we live and work in them."
WCAX-TV has been an essential partner in mobilizing Vermonters around the cause.
"Many hands make light work, which is why finding a partner like Vermont Federal Credit Union is so exciting," said Jay Barton, Vice President and General Manager of WCAX. "The Great Vermont Coat Drive is about sharing warmth from family to family across Vermont."
Donated coats were distributed to community organizations including:
- COTS
- Sustainable Academy
- Munt Family Center
- Mercy Connections
- Vermont Pathways
- Colchester Food Shelf
- Sheldon Food Shelf
- Richford Food Shelf
- Howard Center
- Champlain Housing
- Burlington Schools
Community investment and volunteerism are core to Vermont Federal Credit Union's mission. To learn more about VFCU's community initiatives, click here.
