It’s that time of year. It’s 26 degrees F here in Boston, and I am thankful that my office is the room next to my bedroom so that I don’t have to leave the house unless necessary. I am grateful that when I am cold, I can either put on a sweater or turn up the thermostat. A hot bath is always an option.

Not true for the 7,198 homeless men, women and children in Boston last year. It’s a tough time of year too, for those with growing kids who just can’t afford new winter jackets. So here’s how you can help.

One Warm Coat, New York Cares and dozens of other organizations will take your no-longer-loved winter coats and give them away to people who need them. Different from donating to Goodwill or The Salvation Army, these organizations give away the coats, as opposed to selling them through their thrift retail outlets. So go ahead. Clean your closet. Give away that down jacket that you haven’t worn in 17 years. You’re not going to lose the weight anyway. It’s easy to do, costs nothing, makes space in your closet, gives a cold soul a little bit of respite during this chilly winter season and lands you squarely in The Social Age.

Google the words donate winter coat and the name of your city and you’ll get lots of suggestions of where to donate.

Happy Holidays and stay warm!