A Very Special KIND of Friendship!

Our new friends at KIND snacks just announced an exciting new project in partnership with us! Next Tuesday, Feb. 1st, in honor of the first 100 KINDaholics who purchase a warm drink for someone nice (and tell the company about it), KIND will work with One Warm Coat to make a NEW coat available to someone in need! We're delighted to be working with this new partner, who encourages people to surprise others with "an uncommon gesture of kindness." I plan on "kinding" my special person with my favorite gingerbread latte and my favorite KIND bar! (Who will you surprise?)

They Asked, "How Can I Help?"

More and more new people are reaching out after finding us on Facebook, this blog and other friends' sites. Looks like the effects of this winter's harsh weather have hit the warm spots in your hearts and you're looking for ways to help people in your communities. Whether the famous groundhog sees his shadow next week or not, one thing is sure: people will need warm coats for many months to come. If you are moved to help but don't quite know how, click One Warm Coat and link to Organize a Drive or Donate Coats. (It's so easy!) And welcome!

Hooray for Youthful Organizing!

Our young partners are unstoppable! Yesterday, our Warm Coats & Warm Hearts co-sponsor Good Morning America accepted over 500 coats from the youngsters participating in youth hockey. We've also learned about an organizer in Brookfield, WI whose coat drive is being held during a youth basketball tourney this coming weekend. And the Aware club at Silver Creek HS is helping us "go viral" with a "get out the vote" campaign focused on the USA TODAY ad contest! We're so pleased to be part of the community service work done by these young partners and their adult mentors. Thank you for lending your youthful energy and spirit to this very important cause!

Thanks for your support. Have you voted today?

We send a BIG thank you to those who have supported us this far in the contest to win free ads in USA TODAY! Voting closes at midnight Wednesday. Everyone age 13 or older can vote HERE once a day - every day - 'til then. (It would be great to have YOUR votes, too!)

Keep those votes coming - and Thank You!


Over the next 4 days, YOUR VOTES can make the difference between 2nd place and our winning free ads in USA TODAY! The ads will help us reach 3.3 million readers about the need for warm coats and how easy it is to help. Voting closes Wednesday at midnight, so we ask you to VOTE HERE today and every day 'til then! (Everyone age 13 + older can vote. Tell your friends!) Thank you!

Chevrolet Dealership Adds More to the "Giving More" Campaign!

The Pioneer Press in the Lakeville, MN area recently featured the unique winter coat drive organized by Jeff Belzer Chevrolet. The drive was part of Chevy's national Giving More campaign, which inspired almost 100 dealerships across the country to organize events in their home communities. Free to plan their own drive, Jeff Belzer Chevrolet offered a vehicle purchase discount for anyone donating coats! Now that's giving more!  Thank you, Chevrolet dealers, for your commitment to the cause of providing warm coats to all who need them - and for the unique and fun ways you inspire others to join you!

One Warm Coat in USA TODAY? Contest update!

Voting in the contest to win free ads in USA TODAY continues. Last time we checked, we’re in 2nd place! Public voting determines the winner. Daily votes are allowed - even encouraged! (Click here to vote.) In honor of World Hug Day (tomorrow), we send warm hugs to all our friends for helping us spread the warmth to millions more across the U.S.