Education, Youth, and Families

Keeping Long Beach Children Warm, One Jacket at a Time Founder: Juanita “Mama J” Wilson Location: Long Beach, California Established: 2016 Category: Community Care | Children & Families | Volunteerism | Giving Back Mama J’s Jackets is a grassroots, Black woman-led community initiative dedicated to making sure children in Long Beach have warm coats and jackets when they need them most. Founded by longtime community advocate Juanita “Mama J” Wilson in 2016, the initiative began when she noticed children walking to school without jackets on cold mornings. Determined to help, she rallied neighbors, local businesses, schools, and volunteers to collect and distribute coats to children and families in need. Over the past decade, Mama J’s Jackets has provided more than 2,000 jackets and coats, transforming one grandmother’s act of compassion into an annual tradition of community care. Mama J is also a respected neighborhood leader and graduate of Long Beach’s Neighborhood Leadership Program. Her years of service have earned her recognition as a 2020 Assembly District Woman of Distinction and a 2024 Senate District 33 Wonder Woman. How You Can Support Help keep Long Beach kids warm! Mama J’s Jackets welcomes community members, businesses, and organizations to get involved by: * Donating jackets: Contribute new or gently used children’s coats and jackets. * Making a financial contribution: Help cover the costs of purchasing jackets, cleaning donated clothing, and coordinating distributions. * Volunteering: Help collect, sort, organize, and distribute jackets. * Becoming a community partner: Host a jacket collection drive, sponsor supplies, or provide in-kind services. * Spreading the word: Share Mama J’s mission and connect the initiative with families, schools, and potential supporters. Contact & Connect Juanita “Mama J” Wilson Founder, Mama J’s Jackets Email: msjuanita3@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MamaJJackets/ Location: Long Beach, California For information about donating jackets, volunteering, arranging a collection drive, or providing financial support, contact Mama J directly by email or Facebook Messenger. Every jacket is more than a piece of clothing. It’s a reminder to a child that their community cares.

Neighborhood

Citywide

Email

msjuanita3@gmail.com

Website

https://www.facebook.com/MamaJJackets/

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