There IS need in our country --

Interesting questions that come up when I talk to people -- Is there really a need for all the coats that are donated? How will you distribute all the coats?

Last week we reached out to about 100 agencies to see what their need would be for this Fall. Within 3 days we received messages from over half the agencies letting us know that YES, they needed coats this year.

Here is one of the messages we received, this one from Colorado: "We at Springs Rescue Mission welcome the distribution of coats to our clients. We host 3 major events from November through December and serve over 7,000 homeless and poor within our community. The coats will definitely go to use."

We can all help warm communities - - - one coat at a time.

Shopping can be good --

A green envelope -- what could it be? Earlier this month we received a contribution from Goods for Goodness' Sake.

Goods for Goodness' Sake is an online boutique built on the belief that sharing just a little good fortune can go a long way. When you shop on GFGS, you support the charity of your choice with every purchase. As if that wasn't enough, you also support a group of very talented small business owners. They donate 100% of profits to customer-selected charities and we are thrilled to one of their charities.

Be warned -- their selection of items might be very tempting. http://www.goodsforgoodnesssake.com/

4-H -- OK, I knew about 4-H clubs across the country and knew they had something to do with animals and farms.

How suprised I was to learn that the h's stand for -- Head, Heart, Hands and Health.

We've had several 4-H Clubs organize One Warm Coat drives and I now have a better understanding that this is a great project for their members as they "pledge ...my hands to larger service."

With over 6 million youth participating in 4-H, you can imagine the impact they have on their communities. We are very proud to have their support and participation.

I admit it -- I have a weakness for home furnishings and love to "nest". For many years I have received the Wisteria catalog and read with interest their "Friends of Wisteria" section.

In each issue of the Wisteria catalog, they tell the story of a nonprofit organization doing something special in its part of the world. We were very happy when they selected One Warm Coat as their August 2009 "Friend" --

Later this Fall they have an item that I will be purchasing (probably in multiples) -- an assortment of five scarves (in shades of blue!) that will make a lovely gift for friends and family. At $29 for 5 scarves, I think it's a great way to spread the warmth and remind my friends about One Warm Coat's purpose.

You can view Wisteria's complete catalog at http://www.wisteria.com/.

Enjoying Summer --

Yes, I did take the month of July "off" -- at least from posting blogs.

We have updated the One Warm Coat website and have added many more tools and resources. Our 2009-2010 Guidebook will be posted to the site within the next 10 days AND we now have Google Maps for each of the coat drives listed on our Coat Drive Locator.

Speaking of coat drives, we already have drives for September and October listed on the Coat Drive Locator. Yesterday we received notice that Peter Glenn Ski & Sport stores will be hosting One Warm Coat drives for the FOURTH YEAR.