Driven to Give: CIS Network Delivers Warmth and Essential Support This Holiday Season

This holiday season, Communities In Schools® (CIS®) affiliates and licensed partners across the country are demonstrating what it means to be driven to give. As the need for shoes, clothing, food and essential items grows, our network is stepping up with unwavering generosity, hosting drives and changing lives. 
 
From coats and kicks to socks and everyday necessities, CIS staff, volunteers and partners are working side-by-side to make sure students and their families have what they need not only to get through winter, but to also stay focused on learning.

Often teaming up with local businesses and organizations, the CIS network demonstrates the power of community-driven support in real time. 

Mission-Driven Partnerships 

Thanks to CareSource, the Cincinnati Bengals and Bengals Running Back Chase Brown, CIS of Ohio received an incredible boost of visibility and support. Brown wore CIS-designed cleats during the Nov. 23 Bengals vs. Patriots game as part of the My Cause My Cleats initiative, which allows players to reveal their passions beyond the game with custom-designed cleats that represent an organization and a cause that is important to them.  

"Communities In Schools of Ohio is a great organization that creates a lasting impact for students and I'm proud to support them for My Cause My Cleats," Brown said in a statement.  

As a result of the partnership, CIS received $5,000 from the NFL and all proceeds from the auction of the cleats will be donated to the organization. 
 
In Texas, CIS of Greater Central Texas is hosting its 18th annual Shoes 4 Kids Shoe Drive through Dec. 15, 2025. Last year, the team (volunteers and dedicated local media partners) collected 818 pairs of shoes, more than 1,400 socks and underwear items and 36 coats.  

This is an event we are proud to host, as many children in our area go to school each day with ripped, torn and/or inadequate shoes which they have outgrown. As this scenario can act as a barrier to success and certainly affect a student’s self-esteem, CIS of Greater Central Texas is happy to partner with our local communities to help students overcome this challenge. In the end, we want all students to have a nice pair of shoes to wear so they can focus their attention on academics and success in school.  

-Michael Dewees, Executive Director, Communities In Schools of Greater Central Texas 

 
In Tennessee and Washington state, hundreds of coats, hats and other items were collected to keep kids warm.  

CIS of Tennessee (CISTN) partnered with United Data Technologies (UDT) to provide winter clothing for children across the state. UDT recently donated 200 new coats, hats and gloves to CISTN to help kickstart its winter coat drive. Items will be distributed across 13 counties that the affiliate serves.  

Not having proper winter gear keeps many of our students from showing up to school and ready to learn. Every child deserves to have a warm coat, and CISTN is working hard to make that a reality through coat drives such as this one.

-Meredith Benton, CEO, Communities In Schools of Tennessee  

In the northwest region, CIS of South King County partnered with the Knights of Columbus for its annual Coats for Kids drive. Held in November, event organizers collected enough coats/jackets and handmade beanies for every kindergarten and first-grade student at Panther Lake Elementary. 

Every day, our network shows what it means to lead with heart. Their commitment ensures that no student feels unseen during the holidays or any time of year. This season, Communities In Schools is stepping up in extraordinary ways, providing not only resources, but hope and connection for students and families who need it most. From warm meals and winter coats to mentorship and emotional support, our site coordinators and partners remind us that true community is built on care and compassion. Together, we’re making sure every child knows they matter today, tomorrow, and always.

-Takita Battle, Senior Director, Institutional Giving, CIS National Office 

This season, and every season, the CIS network proves that when we are present, students have what they need to succeed. 
 

Get Involved! Find your local CIS affiliate.