Next Tuesday, December 19, SEIU 1021, SEIU 2015 and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao will be giving away literally thousands of coats and toys to local kids who might otherwise not have much under the tree this year.

But we’ve got a problem: More families than expected have signed up for the giveaway, and we need more coats. We are still 500 coats short. We need your help to make sure local kids stay warm this winter!

You can drop off new, unwrapped toys and coats at the union hall at 100 Oak Street until this Friday, December 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

But if going to stores and taking gifts to the union hall doesn’t sound like something you have time or energy for, we’re making it easier than ever. We have a registry at Macy’s for kids’ coats. Many coats are 50% off or more! But you need to order right away to ensure your gifts arrive in time for next Tuesday’s giveaway. If ordering after Wednesday, Dec. 13, you will need to pay extra for next-day delivery.

Pick out a coat, or two, or three, or whatever you can afford. (Free shipping for $25 and up.) When you get to the checkout, be sure to enter SEIU 1021, 100 Oak St., Oakland, CA 94607, as the shipping address.

SEIU 1021 Vice President of Representation Sandra Lewis said, “We love helping all the families that will be receiving those gifts. I can’t wait to see the smiles of the kids when they get these gifts.”