Carbondale
Take Action Today & Carbondale Warming Center
163 Walkers|32 Teams|51 Volunteers
The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly fundraising walk in support of local charities. Let’s gather together for people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness... because it’s cold out there.
2026 CNOY Photos
Thanks to all of our amazing volunteer photographers! If you've got CNOY Day photos or videos you'd like to share, contact photos@bluesea.org.
About Carbondale Warming Center
The Carbondale Warming Center serves the southern Illinois region as an emergency shelter for individuals who are unhoused and face challenges such as addiction and mental health. We provide a warm bed, showers, meals, and hope rooted in dignity, empathy, and humanity. Since we opened in 2019, we have provided over 300,000 meals and served over 800 guests; 40% have moved on to a permanent housing situation. Our goal is to continue to serve individuals in our community who need shelter and support.
About Take Action Today
Join us on February 28 as we walk and fundraise together for our neighbours who face hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Each step and each dollar raised, helps us continue to offer our expanding service and support. Walking shoulder to shoulder will remind us all that our shared compassion is what makes us such a great community. We need each other and It’s Cold Out There.
Carbondale Scoreboard
Are you thrashing the competition (for a good cause)? Find out here! Stats are updated every 15 minutes. See how you stack up on the national scoreboard >
Community Sponsors
Carbondale (Take Action Today & Carbondale Warming Center) is super grateful for our fantastic 2026 sponsors! View all sponsors >
Event Day Details
Save the date - CNOY Day is February 28, 2026!
Start/Finish Google Map
330 South Giant City Rd
Carbondale Il 62902
We start and finish from the cafeteria at Carbondale Community High School. The doors to the cafeteria are located at 330 South Giant City Road. The cafeteria is the room in the building behind the soaring glass windows.
Schedule
- 4:00 pm: Meet Check-in
- 4:45 pm: Muster Gather for Opening Remarks
- 5:00 pm: Move Send-off
- 6:00 pm: Munch Light meal served
- 7:00 pm: Mosey Goodbye + see you in 2027!
Not able to join us in person at the Main Event? We hope you'll register, fundraise and walk offsite with friends and family.
Route Details
- Route Distances: Check out the maps below to see where we will be walking.
- Rest stop: Keep an eye out for opportunities to rest and refresh with yummy snacks along the route.
- Signage: Routes will be well-signed with our bold blue CNOY signs.
- Route Support: Route marshals, rest stop hosts, and support vehicle drivers provide support along the route.
- Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
- No Pets: We love our little furballs like you do, but pets are not permitted at the Coldest Night of the Year except for approved and trained service animals. Read more about our pet policy >
Check- in
- All walkers participating at the Main Event on Saturday, February 28, 2026 must check-in upon arrival.
- Beanies! Fundraising walkers who raise $150+ (or $75+ for those under 18) will receive a CNOY Beanie as a thank you on event day, while supplies last.
- Offsite fundraising walkers can contact their local event director to arrange toque pickup the week of the event.
Have questions? Visit the FAQ section!
Handling Money
- Credit Card: The Best Option! Simple, secure, automatically tax receipted for gifts of $20+. Visit the Donate page, share your personal page link, or have your donor call the CNOY Head Office.
- Checks: The Old Faithful - made out to Coldest Night of the Year with your name on the Memo line. Mail them to CNOY Head Office along with your completed pledge form.
- Cash: You have 2 options:
- 1. Login to FundHub, click “Enter $$ and Checks,” create pledges for your cash donations, pay them off with your personal credit card, and keep the cash. OR...
- 2. Write a check (made out to “Coldest Night of the Year”) for the total amount of cash you’ve collected. Mail it to the CNOY Head Office with your completed pledge sheet.
Waivers
All participants must register online and accept the electronic waiver.
- Adults accept the waiver automatically when they register online.
- Youth/Children under the age of majority need a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
- An online form will be emailed to all parents/guardians before CNOY Day.
- You may also bring a filled-out printed waiver.
- Waivers will also be available at check-in on CNOY Day.
What to Bring
A few common sense suggestions:
- A cell phone for emergencies (recommended but not required)
- Good waterproof shoes/boots for walking
- Warm coat and mitts/gloves
- Extra snacks if you have allergies or food sensitivities
- Your own water bottle
- A passion for the charity you're walking and fundraising for!
Contact Us
CNOY Carbondale 2026
The CNOYUSA Team Participant & Donor Services
Toll Free 1.877.743.3413 / Phone 519.603.2250
Email carbondale@cnoy.com