“The more I collected. The more I gave. The more I wanted to collect. The more I wanted to give.”

For Elliot Lamboy, a hundred coats was the original goal. But then he beat his own expectations.

What You Need To Know

  • Elliott Lamboy has been collecting gently used coats for the past six years

  • He started with just 500 but now expects to collect more than 10,000 this year

  • Lamboy was inspired to do good in memory of his niece who passed away

  • Each year, Lamboy takes requests from shelters and other organizations so all coat deliveries fit perfectly those who are receiving them

“I collected 500 coats the first year. Second year over 2,600 coats. Third year 5,000. 6,000," Lamboy explained.  "And last year we collected over 9000 coats. Which is unbelievable to think that you can collect 9,000 coats in 4 months. I still can't believe it."

Six years ago, this lifelong New Yorker started the movement “Coats for the Cold” in memory of his late niece.

“We want to just keep helping and just keep helping,” Lamboy commented.

And help he did, even giving up his own coat so that someone with less could be warm through the colder months.

“So when you see them get a coat or when you put on your own coat and your warm- it’s priceless,” said Lamboy.

He takes requests from shelters and other charities in advance of the winter, guaranteeing that every coat is going directly to someone in need — and that it’s the right fit.

He gets most of his support through Facebook. Posting coat countdowns and thank yous to those who have donated while constantly inviting others to join in.

It’s a full time job from the end of October through January. Lamboy spends every night driving from house to house to pick up donations.

“I really feel like you can make a difference," said Lamboy. "Some people wonder where they can help and I say, ‘Look around’. Look to your left, somebody needs help and if they don’t look to your right. You’ll find somebody who needs help.”

For making sure everyone stays warm as the weather turns cold, Elliot Lamboy is our New Yorker of the Week.