Carbondale Police, SIU Athletics Teaming Up for Community Christmas Store Coat Drive

Posted By: Withers Syndication
November 14, 2025 @ 9:36 am
Local News

CARBONDALE – The City of Carbondale Police Department has once again partnered with the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Athletics Department this holiday season to collect new coats for boys and girls, ages 1-10 in Carbondale.

The donated coats will benefit the children served by the Carbondale Police Department Community Christmas Store. There will be boxes to donate coats for the 2025 Community Christmas Store at the Banterra Center by the ticket office and in the south lobby area. A ticket to an upcoming game will be given to those who donate. New coats will be collected at all home men’s and women’s basketball games on the following schedule:

Men’s Basketball Games

Nov. 29, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Dec. 10, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 18, 2025 at 8 p.m.

Women’s Basketball

Nov. 23, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Nov. 30, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Dec. 6, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Dec. 20, 2025 at 2 p.m.

Carbondale Police Chief Anthony Copeland expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Carbondale Police Department is deeply thankful for the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Athletics Department’s partnership and dedication to supporting the families and children of our community through collecting coats for the Police Department’s Christmas Store. Working together to make a positive difference in the lives of others is always rewarding, and the SIU Carbondale Athletics Department continues to play a meaningful and valued role in these efforts.”

The police department’s Community Christmas Store is an annual event conducted by our Crime Victims’ Advocate. The event provides new shoes and new toys to families of over 180 children residing in Carbondale. Our goal this year is also to provide each of these children with a warm coat as we enter the winter months.

Coats for children will also be accepted for donation at the Carbondale Police Department, located at 501 S. Washington St., and at the Carbondale Civic Center lobby, located at 200 S. Illinois Ave. The Carbondale Police Department and the Southern Illinois University Athletics Department are proud to partner with our community to make the holidays a little better for those among us who are in need.