With temperatures that plunge well below freezing every year, the High Country can be a brutal place to live when winter strikes. Even for those with adequate winter clothing, it can be difficult to stay warm and safe, but for those who are homeless, winter is a dangerous season.
The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge wants to share the warmth with those in need. Through their annual coat drive, the Women’s Fund Outreach committee invites local residents to donate any type of winter clothing to help all High Country neighbors stay warm.
Through October 5, the Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge will collect new or gently used winter clothes to give to residents at the Hospitality House, Boone’s homeless shelter for seven local counties. The Fund wants donations such as coats, hats, gloves, sweaters, scarves, and boots, in sizes for children or adults.
“Each year we are incredibly moved by the generous donations that we get for the coat drive, and also by the grateful residents at the Hospitality House,” said Judy Painter, head of the Outreach Committee of WFBR. “We hear it’s going to be a very snowy winter, so we’re hoping we get even more donations this year than ever before.”
Karen Sabo, Executive Director of the Women’s Fund, said “The wonderful thing about the Hospitality House is that they take their motto seriously: ‘A hand up, not a hand out.’ Warm clothes for their residents in winter means they can continue looking for jobs, going to work, going to school, and doing what they can to actively pursue a better life.”
Donors may drop off winter items at the Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge office (895 State Farm Road), Footsloggers (Boone or Blowing Rock), or Trisha Wilson Law Office (3616 Mitchell Ave., Linville). The WFBR also welcomes cash donations to cover specific purchases, especially for children living at the Hospitality House. Those wishing to volunteer for this event may contact WFBR Board member Jane Lentz through the Women’s Fund office, at 828-264-4002.
The mission of the Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge is to create positive change and economic justice for women and girls in the counties they serve. The WFBR provides grants to local non-profits, such as the Hospitality House, for their programs for local women and girls. Since 1984, the Hospitality House has been helping people living in crisis, poverty, and homelessness rebuild their lives.
For more information about these two agencies and how you can be involved, visit womensfundoftheblueridge.org and hospitalityhouseofboone.org.