Vermont Federal Credit Union and WCAX-TV Shatter Records in Annual Coat Drive

South Burlington, VT – March 4, 2026 – Vermont Federal Credit Union (VFCU) and WCAX-TV announced the successful completion of their third annual Great Vermont Coat Drive, collecting over 1,200 coats for Vermonters in require. The drive concluded on February 20, 2026, with donations distributed to nonprofit organizations across the state.

New Partnership Enhances Impact

This year’s drive introduced a new partnership with Gadue’s Dry Cleaning, which professionally cleaned all donated coats before distribution. This ensured recipients received warm, clean garments, reflecting VFCU’s commitment to treating every donation with care.

Community Support and Volunteerism

Vermont Federal Credit Union employees demonstrated a strong commitment to community support, dedicating over 2,400 volunteer hours in 2025 to local nonprofits throughout Vermont. “We are actively involved because we live in our communities. For us, it’s personal,” said Jean Giard, President &amp. 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.”

Collaboration for Warmth

WCAX-TV played a crucial role in mobilizing Vermonters to participate in 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-TV. “The Great Vermont Coat Drive is about sharing warmth from family to family across Vermont.”

Coat Distribution

Donated coats were distributed to the following community organizations:

• 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

Vermont Federal Credit Union: A Community Partner

Vermont Federal Credit Union, a not-for-profit cooperative financial institution serving Vermonters for over 70 years, has more than 59,000 members and eight locations statewide. The organization is dedicated to supporting its communities and helping Vermonters prosper. More information about VFCU’s community initiatives can be found at www.vermontfederal.org/about-us/community-involvement.