Dalton Subaru partnered with SBCS on Jan. 13 to distribute more than 200 new winter coats to children and families in National City, bringing together volunteers, staff, and caregivers for a community give-back event focused on meeting an immediate seasonal need.
The event was part of Subaru Loves to Help and Operation Warm, serving families already connected to SBCS programs in National City, including those experiencing economic hardship, housing instability, or other systemic barriers.
“This partnership really grew out of a shared commitment to community,” said Larissa Bacon, vice president of impact at SBCS.
She said Dalton Subaru has consistently looked for ways to engage beyond its dealership walls, and the collaboration aligned naturally with SBCS’s work supporting local families.
Winter coats were identified as an urgent need as colder months place additional strain on families already navigating financial stress.
“Something as simple as a warm jacket can immediately improve a child’s comfort, health, and sense of security,” Bacon said.
On a practical level, the coats offered immediate relief. Bacon said access to warm clothing can help reduce illness, improve school attendance, and ease the pressure families often feel when choosing between essentials during the winter.
“For many families, it’s one less worry during a season when costs tend to rise,” she said.
The atmosphere at the event was welcoming and upbeat, with children trying on their new coats and volunteers and staff helping families select the right sizes. Bacon said the day felt more like a community gathering than a distribution.
Several moments stood out, including one involving a single mother who arrived with her six children, she said.
“Seeing everyone get into a warm, cozy jacket and knowing they wouldn’t need to worry about this particular stress really put a human face on the need being addressed,” Bacon said.
From Dalton Subaru’s perspective, the event reflected the dealership’s broader commitment to supporting San Diego neighborhoods through what it calls the “Dalton difference,” emphasizing long-term community engagement rather than one-time efforts, she said.
The coat drives complement SBCS’s ongoing work in National City, which focuses on long-term stability and well-being for families. Beyond immediate needs like clothing, SBCS also provides access to housing support, food security, behavioral health services, youth programs, and workforce development.
This marked the third year of the Warm Coat Drive partnership between Dalton Subaru and SBCS. Both organizations said they plan to continue collaborating and exploring additional ways to support children and families throughout the year.
