Share the Warmth With Eddie Bauer!

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Traveling to Boston today to help kick off sponsor Eddie Bauer’s Share the Warmth/One Warm Coat event!

Starting Oct. 1 in Boston and winding up Nov. 21 in Seattle, participating Eddie Bauer stores from coast to coast invite you to bring coats for their coat drive - and then stay and shop. During the event, shoppers who donate coats at designated stores can receive 20% off their entire purchases. Your donated coat will go straight to someone in your community who needs it. Click here for a list of participating stores and event dates.   

Eddie Bauer’s corporate creed is to “give such outstanding quality, value, service and guarantee that we may be worthy of your high esteem.” (Are they worthy of our high esteem? Definitely!)

One in Seven, One in Five

Recent headlines told the chilling news that 1 in 7 Americans is living in poverty.

It's easy to hear a headline, feel the chill, and then go on with the day. But, take a moment to do this experiment.

Stand at a street corner in your community and notice 6 other people nearby. Or sit in the bleechers with 6 other parents or friends at a school event.

Now look around. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the "1 in 7" person from the headlines is one of you.

Shift your gaze to a group of children nearby - and know that, for every 5 children, 1 is living in poverty.

Headlines can be cold. That's why the work we do together is so important. Together, we are ...warming communities one coat at a time.

No Money. Just Love and Time!

Betty Franks of the Christ Central Ministries, Inc. of Columbia, SC (one of our amazing agencies) shares these inspiring thoughts about how we all work together to make a difference.

“Registering… is one of the best things Christ Central Columbia has ever done to help the poor… It is so gratifying to know that all of us are giving to those in need. No money is exchanged between our organizations. Just our love and time given with nice coats for those less fortunate. – Very grateful in SC.”

Here's to an Outstanding Organizer!

Mary Atkins and her team know that in Reno this fall, the need is greater than ever. It is estimated that in Washoe County, where Reno is located, 4,000-5,000 people are homeless on any given night. As Director of the local Reno chapter of HOPE World Wide, Mary's role is to plan, execute events and mobilize volunteers. Her secret? Make connections "with people in each partner company or agency who care." She writes, "Most people want to do something to help the people around them. But they need ONE PERSON to step forward and start [things rolling]."


Mary has been that person in Reno since 2007. We think that makes her an Outstanding Organizer!

Happy New Year!

It's September! Happy New Year! Labor Day is a little like New Year's Day for the staff at One Warm Coat. Each September, we release a new Guidebook, update our materials and get ready for LOTS of activity for the coming fall and winter months.

And, yes, we do set "New Year's" Resolutions and Goals. This September, as we begin our eighth year as a national effort, our goal is 1 MILLION coats. Resolutions are centered around building a team of great staff members to support the ever-increasing number of coat drives.

The need for coats this year will be greater than ever. Together, with our amazing group of volunteers and increased sponsorship activity, we will make a difference in the lives of thousands.

Warming communities one coat at a time, Sherri Lewis Wood, President