One Warm Coat
It’s cold today.
So much so that in the couple of hours I had to myself this morning before picking up Lulu from preschool, I was tempted to turn the heat up. I was also tempted to lick the pancake syrup off of my plate just because I could.
I won’t tell you which urge I gave into.
The syrup on my cardigan might.
On the drive home, Lulu informed me that she was the “weathergirl” for her class today, and that she put the “COLD” sticker up on the weather chart at school. She also told me that she is not shy around anyone in the world except for Spencer because he is her naughtiest friend. That has nothing to do with this story, and yet everything to do with the reason Pea Daddy is already shopping for shotguns.
It was then that I saw a woman without a coat standing out in the icy wind. It hurt to watch her stand in that still, stiff pose that we all do when we are freezing and think somehow we can will the cold away. She just needed one warm coat.
We immediately went home and went to our closets.
We have coats.
Lots of coats that are too small.
Too dressy.
Too pink with too many cats.
When all was said and done we’d gathered twelve warm coats to give away.
And so we washed our coats and dried them with extra fabric softener. We picked up Gigi from school, explained our mission and took our coats to our local YWCA outreach shelter, making a stop on the way there for diapers, feminine hygiene products and baby wipes.
Then we came home, lowered our thermostat another degree and said a prayer of thanks: for a roof over our heads, for a Father who puts opportunities in our lives to bless and be blessed, and for warm bodies to cuddle with on the couch.
And for pancakes with syrup for dinner.
Even if we can’t lick the plate.
************
One warm coat can make such a difference in the life of a child or any individual. I urge you to go through your closets and find at least one coat to contribute.
To find an organization near you to accept your coat:
- Go to www.onewarmcoat.org–you can find local coat drives in your community there
- Contact your local public school–many schools have their own drives or simply need coats for students
- Contact your local church–they may be collecting coats or know of individuals who could use or distribute them
- Contact your local YWCA outreach shelter–these shelters help women facing hardship and their children
- Drop your coats off at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army–they always have a need, can sell them and use the funds to help serve others
Love this! My sorority always gives coats to “Give A Kid a Coat.” Good for you!
I hope others realize how easy it is and what an impact it makes. Now is the time when people need to start getting those coats!!!
We donated coats to a coat drive when my daughter was three, explaining there were people who didn’t have ANY coats, and we had lots, so we were going to give some of ours. When we got to the drop off she grabbed her coat, jumped out of the car and said “Where are the kids who need my coats??”. We had a very devastated little girl on our hands when we explained we wouldn’t get to actually hand over the coats to the people who needed them… so this year (she’s almost 6) we’re taking her to deliver Angel Tree Christmas gifts, so she can put the gifts straight into the hands of the kid who needs it
.
Luckily for us (not for them), but there were two kids about Gigi and Lulu’s age playing in front of the shelter WITHOUT coats as soon as we got there. It was pretty special to be able to say to the girls THOSE kids could get your coats and be warm because of you.
I’m sorry you didn’t have a good experience, but I bet your daughter will appreciate what you are teaching her nonetheless!
oh she gets it
Sometimes a little TOO much… “Mom! That man with a sign doesn’t have a house! But we have a house, he can live with us!”. Kids are so compassionate and giving 
. We try to do as much giving with our three kiddos as we can… Angel Tree, Operation Christmas Child, World Vision… It’s good for them to learn not everyone is as blessed as we are and it’s our job to give whatever we can to help them 
. As always, the way you’re raising your girls is inspiring 
.
Thanks! My girls are the same way…they want to help everyone all the time. I draw the line at hitchhikers.
One: why cant you lick the plate?
Two: we just gave away a crapton of stuff and it felt great. (coats inc) both to help and make room!!
Three: there’s syrup on your chin.
Ha ha ha. I can’t lick the plates with the family watching…it sets a bad example
I think it sets a good example that you aren’t wasting food.
Ha ha…then I shall do it proudly!
What a great thing to do with your children, a great example of kindness and caring. I’ve been purging “stuff” from our house – we just have too much and have just recently donated lots of kids clothing. Now I’ll focus on those coats…we have too many too!
Good for you! We have to hit the shoe pile next…
Countryside Christian Church (in Mam Pea’s hometown) will be holding its Second Annual Great Coat Giveaway on Nov. 5. Anyone can come to the church, 5775 McLeod NE, from 10 a.m. to noon for a free coat. Last year, the church distributed 400 coats to men, women and children. The goal this year is to hand out at least as many coats as last year “Our ultimate goal is to provide a coat for everyone who walks in the door,” said children’s pastor Jolene Christensen.
The church currently is seeking donations of coats, sweatshirts and sweaters.
To donate, visit the church during office hours 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday or during church services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sundays.
For more information, call the church, (503) 540-1989
Thank you, Diane! I will have Pea Daddy go through his closet and hopefully we can bring a few more by Countryside. Thanks again!
(warm hug)
Thank you so much for sharing this Sarah! As a child who benefited from programs like that growing up (my dad was a single parent who struggled to make ends meat while raising two daughters) these things are very near and dear to my heart. I was so lucky to have so many people and programs that went out of their way to make me feel like I wasn’t lacking anything. There is no greater gift you can give a person (especially children!) than love and security and freedom from economic worry about how to meet their basic needs. Hopefully this brings more awareness to a very good cause!
AMEN! Bless your dad–what a guy!
He really is incredible!
And this story warms my heart!
Beautiful post Mama Pea! We regularly go through our toys and clothes and donate them but I’ll make a point to do this soon. You’re awesome!
I’m so glad you already do this, Brittany!
Such a good post Mama Pea! You set such a good example for your girls. Doing this first thing tomorrow morning!
Yay, good for you, Abbey!!!
this is why i love P&TY. this is why you are blessed. . XoXo Peas.
All the glory is His! <3 you too!
You are wonderful!
Thank you.
(we had pancakes for dinner too! Sweet potato ones)
You know ours were pumpkin
I love those moments where God just speaks to your heart and you’re able to follow through with it.
It is so easy to get caught up in everything going on in our lives…but it’s great when we can step back and really see how blessed we truly are. 
Our pastor said at church on Sunday, “Where are you not letting Him into your life?” And for me, it’s here. I’m happy to share a bit of what REALLY matters to me here today.
Lovely post.
And now I want nothing more than pancakes for dinner tomorrow. Damn you.
You can do it. Lick the plate for me.
Love this post. We just had a series at church about generosity. It made me realized that we are SOOOO blessed. We are about to get a bunch of stuff out of our house- do the girls really need 5 pairs of pink leggings? EACH?? nope. I am thinking that I should look into the YMCA coat donation center about the extra coats we have
We go through all of our clothes + coats every 6 months! Speaking of which…it’s about that time. Thanks for the reminder!
I’m glad you are already doing this Ash! (and not surprised) <3
I love that you made me cry today, instead of laugh.
I’ll make it up to you…promise!
Your heart is so amazing. The love and generosity you have inspires me to be a better person. Syrup face and all!
Thanks, Amber. (hugs)
We gave away a lot of coats when we moved from Minnesota to Texas. And probably some of those coats are still sitting in a shelter, as you don’t exactly need sub-freezing gear in Texas.
Great post and great outlook. I’m trying to work with my kids on explaining why we don’t just give broken and or unwanted toys (and instead give new toys that my own kids want to keep) to shelters and get the whole ‘sacrificial giving’ point across, but it’s a slow lesson.
ps – what is this ‘cold’ you speak of?
I think you raise a good point of giving your best…not just your unwanted. (Making mental note to discuss with kiddos)
This is so super awesome; thank you for such a great reminder.
Next month, a local egg farm (I know you’re not into eggs, but bear with me on this one) is holding its annual PJs and Eggs event, which requests a donation of at least one donation of kids’ PJs in return for “brinner” on one of the farms – http://www.pjsandeggs.net/
We constantly are donating HRH’s outgrown clothes, and we do a yearly cull of our own as well. Even in the desert of Arizona, it can get cold in the winter nights. I’m looking forward to teaching HRH that doing something greater than ourselves for people we may never even meet can be the penultimate joy.
I LOVE the idea of PJs and eggs. Warm PJs are such a great donation too.
You are amazing. You are a true example of the goodness and generosity in this world. You inspire such greatness in your family and awaken others to do better. Thank you:)
I’m not amazing. HE is. I can do more…we all can! Thank YOU, Marion.
sometimes in our busy lives we can forget about the simple things in life we can do to help the less fortunate. perfectly timed post.
Thank you for a reminder about the important things in life – and of the fact that we can all do something to make a difference. I bet there are a lot of spare / small / old coats sitting around the place and they (and things like them) really can make a difference. I love that you are teaching your girls this early on in life.
It is SUCH an important part of their “education.” It’s one thing to talk about giving and sharing…it’s another thing to do it.
This is an awesome post…and ironically I was at Target today and bought Skylar a bunch of new hoodies and fleece coats. It’s that time of year. I need to go through her drawer of too-small stuff and donate it. Thanks for the reminder.
And I would have licked pancake syrup and then gotten in my car and turned the seat heaters on. No shame in being toasty for me!
oh, I just love you for this.
a couple years ago a friend (sigh… one of my Burning Man friends. yep. I went. thrice.) was posting to facebook every day, rallying people to help her gather and distribute coats for people. this thing snowballed into heated soups, dispensed from thermoses as we drove around. moved to misty eyes just typing this now.
I wish there were more people like you, and like my friend from Burning Man.
That is such a great idea too, Kris. Someone posted about having a 12 days of Christmas at their office, where they each did something each day until Christmas. I think I just added “make soup to dispense” to my mental list!
I’m taking the coats out of our goodwill/sell on ebay pile + taking them to a shelter — sank you for ze wonderful idea!
Yay! I just feel better about them going to someone for free than having them pay for them.
I love this!! While I would take on your challenge, my man & I just moved at the beginning of October to a new place…& took EVERYTHING we don’t need to the Salvation Army. It felt good to downsize & know that everything was going to a good cause
Good for you, Char!
Mama Pea, you have such a beautiful heart. Thank you for sharing your love for others and the Lord with such enthusiasm. This kind of inspiration is what brings the online community to serve our actual communities. Serving others is truly what we are called to do.
I couldn’t agree with you more. And the response of all of you has been really inspiring to me. We ALL can do more. I can do more!
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I am good about donating clothes we no longer wear or need, but our coat closet could definitely use some thinning out. Now is the perfect time to do so.
That’s what I thought too. Thanks Candy!
What a touching post! I regularly go through my closet, tossing the broken, ugly things, and packing the still-good-but-I-don’t-want-to-wear-it-anymore items to take them to my mom. She then hands them off to some neighbors in need. This way, I know exactly, that my old clothes won’t be sold (!) to poor African ladies, while some shady companies are making money with it.
A few weeks ago, I also gave away my last old coat, which is about three sizes too big for me now. I hope that its new owner will love it as much as I used to.
Who resells them like that?
You can certainly give in which ever way you are most comfortable with…so long as you give!
Beautiful post. Giving back is such an important thing. I wish more people got involved!
Yes! I do too.
Well done Peas – well done. Pay it forward
Thank you so much for sharing this – my daughter and I will be going through our coat closet today because I’m sure we have plenty we can give away!
Great! And I think it’s great to get your daughter involved too!
I too already donated a lot. My winter coat is missing unfortunately. I donated a blanket to a homeless man with a short furred dog too keep her warm. I was surprised but it also warmed my heart to see them 2 years later with the blanket I gave them. Best donation ever.
Yes, you can make donations to the Humane Society as well! Great reminder.
I love this campaign! Last year, after winter was over, my mom scored a dozen kids coats on clearance for about $30 with the intentions to donate them this year. It’s such an awesome way to help people and thank you for encouraging and reminding everyone about this!!
That is awesome! I’m thinking about running the girls down to Target or Old Navy and buying more coats as well. More WITHOUT cats
I was kinda wondering how you let a coat in the house with cats on it
Maybe it was a gift?? LOL!
It was a gift
Thank you for inspiring gratitude and generosity. We need more of both in this world. xo
You are welcome. I agree we need more too. And it starts with each of us!
Oh my gosh I wish I would have seen this 2 days ago! I swear I just went through my closet and thew away 2 old winter coats.
Ugh, my heart is so sad now. I’ll have to do another check to see if I have any more.
I bet you do. I bet I do!
Thanks for this! I had no idea when I clicked the link that I would find a drop off location near me in Canada! We usually bring our coats to donate to a local thrift store, but I would much rather know they are going to people as a donation rather than them having to pay (even if it’s cheap) for them!
I agree…that was important to me as well…just wanting to GIVE someone in need a coat, not having them pay for something so basic.
I come here to laugh, not to cry! This is a really sweet post. We have a great shelter here in Green Bay. They take in the people who can’t go to other shelters (because of drugs, alcohol, and such). Every year we Christmas shop for them, but a little early, and take the stuff there when they open in the fall. It’s such a little thing for us to do, but it makes a huge difference for those with so little.
Thanks for making life a little better for so many people in this world!
Oh, the laughs will be back soon enough…and the food. But we all need a little reminder now and then. Thank you for reading!
You are so right Sarah! There are times when I get so frustrated at mine and my husbands (lack of) finances. I feel lke we’ll never own a home and be comforable enough not to worry every month about money, but then I realize that we live a good life. We have a home, food, warm clothes, and there are so many who no longer have those things. Lord knows I have plenty of coats! Great idea!
Amen! We’ve been so wrapped up in saving money that I think I momentarily lost sight of the fact that I at least have “something” to save. And a lot of something to give.
It fees great to help those in need! Sometimes I think we forget the simple things like a coat can make someone in need so happy and keep them warm for the winter!
I have donated a bunch of clothes recently before I moved, and we do have local bundle up drives here, where people donate clothes, gloves, scarves etc…
Happy Wednesday! xoxo <3
That was the real joy–how happy the people at the shelter were to see us and just knowing that we would make a child and an adult more comfortable. What a gift for US!
So amazing – I think we take a lot for granted as a society. My church does shoe/coats/mittens drives once the weather starts to get cold.
That’s great, Chels. I hope you are able to give!
This is so heartwarming – and important. You’re right. We take so much for granted, but most often the simplest of things. My church does a coat drive every year…you can bet I’m rummaging through my closet this weekend.
Wonderful!
oh my, the hormones are kicking in and i’m sobbing now. it’s so great to hear stories like this! we definitely have too many coats and are making a trip this weekend to share the warmth!
Good for you! Thanks, Heather.
Sarah, you really are so wonderful. You inspire me! Thank you! I’m going through my closet tonight.
I’m so glad, Teri. This will NEVER be a fashion blog, but I can tell people what to do with their old crummy clothes any day (I’m an expert!).
I started looking for a new winter coat today, and this just gave me the perfect idea for where to take my (very gently used, and very toasty) older one. Thanks for the thought, MP.
Nice thinkin’, Hill! Thank YOU!
You are inspiring… I’m getting a little teary eyed right now!
Dry your tears and head to your closet! (you can stop at the kitchen first…it’s okay…)
Love this! Thank you for inspiring me to clean out the closets!! I had never heard of this organization. I will try and find a drive in my area or start one
That’d be great if you could start one!
Great reminder for all of us. I just cleaned out my clothes closet and for some reason didn’t give a second thought to the closet that has unused coats in it. Thanks!
Good for you…thanks!
Amen! Beautiful post!
I’ve been meaning to take a huge bag of all clothes that are sitting in my closet to either a shelter or Good Will. Thanks for the push!
Do it! You’ll feel great. Thank YOU!
LOVE this Mama Pea!! That’s so nice of you and the girls to do. At work, we do a “12 Days of Giving” event where we do a different charitable activity each day for 12 days. There’s a coat drive for the Salvation Army that goes on for the duration, and with 200+ employees, each year we manage to come up with a pretty decent contribution. Thanks for the reminder – cleaning out my closet is a job on my list for this weekend!
I love what your work does…maybe I should do something similar with my girls this year. Thank you for the idea!
Beautiful post and a great reminder to donate any winter coats that we no longer wear. I recently moved and donated a bunch of clothes to a local women’s shelter, and I know they’re very much in need of warm clothes right now (it may snow in MA this week!).
We’re so fortunate to be in a position to give.
It seems like the weather just changed overnight, and if my house is that uncomfortable, I can only imagine what it’s like when you don’t have a warm home. Thank you for taking the time to think about it too!
Good on ya Mama! What a great lesson for your girls – and everyone who reads this too! So many are struggling and we are SO blessed! I’ll be cleaning out my closet today.
Yay! Thanks for giving, Krista!
Thanks for this reminder, I am going to donate my old coats this weekend! : )
Wonderful, thanks!
It’s always so refreshing to think of the many ways God has blessed us in our lives. Thank you for the reminder to be grateful for a warm home when so many go without. What a great gift you are giving your family.
Thank you. Thank you for taking the time to appreciate what He’s given you too!
I just brought a huge bin of coats, clothes, baby clothes, maternity clothes etc to our local goodwill store. Next time I will check out http://www.onewarmcoat.org for sure. I am sure we have much more that we could give.
Thank you for reminding me to hug what I have and be thankful. It is so easy to get caught up in the work week hurricane.
Have a great week Mama Pea.
Good for you, Pamela! I need to go through our things more too.
Going through the closet today…thanks friend.
Thank YOU!
What a timely post! I went through our entry closet yesterday morning and found 12 coats that we don’t wear anymore, mostly because they are too big. I was sitting looking at the bagged up coats last night wondering what to do with them. Now I know exactly where they are going!
That’s so funny—the same day, you and me with our dozen coats
There’s such a thing as a coat with too many cats?!
Anna, any coat WITH cats is a coat with too many cats.
Such a great inspiration for when the weather is starting to get chilly. Can’t wait to clean out my closet and donate lots of warm clothing.
Thank you so much reminding us all that we have so much to give!
My pleasure. Thank you for taking a moment to think about it!
i love you peas. thanks for this reminder.
what a lovely act of kindness. and a great reminder that we have so much to be thankful for.
Thanks, Mama Pea. I have located a free store that is in need of seasonal clothing items, and will go home and clean out the closet. Minnesota winters are long and brutal.
I know we have WAY too many extra coats going on around here. Definitely plan on donating them to the coat/shoe/hat drive our church has. I’m surprised it hasn’t started yet actually.
love you.
<3
I had just finished reading your column ( I don’t mean “this morning”, or an “hour ago”, or even “10 minutes ago”. I mean JUST), when the phone rang and it was a lovely lady from a local charity that phones every few months to tell me when they will be in our neighbourhood so we can bundle up whatever clothes we want to donate. Today she told me that, in addition to the warm clothes they always need this time of year, they are expanding their scope to include Christmas decorations and toys to share with low-income families.
You know how God works in mysterious ways? Well, I think other times, he just likes to clunk you over the head to make sure he has your attention. Today, He’s got it!
God is constantly clunking me. Which is good, because I need it.
Thank you for giving!
what an inspirational post, thank you (for being you). Off to check the closet!
Yay! Thanks Irina!
Thank you for this post, and for sharing this activity with your girls!! My mom did the same with me and my sisters and it helped us learn to think about others.
Your mom sounds like my kind of lady!
Great post! I know that I have several coats that I simply don’t wear anymore and this post was inspiration to do something (good) with them!
Oh yes, please do!
This is such a great post. I think so many people take advantage of the little things that we have (or can afford) in everyday activities. I always donate my clothes, I can never throw them out, I just feel too guilty. I’ll be going through my closet tonight!
Great, Christina! I only throw them out if they are in a state where NO ONE would want them.
Well yeah, besides those clothes that even my dog Sushi won’t go near. Those end up in the garbage
I actually donated a bunch of bra’s that didn’t fit, is that weird? lol. They were clean, just too small.
I kind of don’t like you for having bras that are too small.
Trust me, it’s not exciting at all. I’m working on getting my “back fat” under control. lol!!
Thank you so much for all the time you put into writing these posts. Your blog is such an inspiration to me every morning in so many ways and inspires me to be a blessing to others!
PS- I made a crack wrap for dinner last night. And all was good with the world. Thanks for the killer creation!
It is absolutely my pleasure. Thank you for reading. And put down the crack
AMEN. That is all. Well, one more thing…heart your family as always.
And we <3. Katie will be in high school before I see you again
Such a wonderful post. Thank you!
that’s awesome…what the holidays are all about! cant wait til my kids get to the age to understand this…definitely one of the most important lessons we can teach them
I love this. I see stuff about it every year around this time and I think it’s SUCH a great idea. I can’t even imagine how wonderful it must have felt to have been able to actually hand off the coats to people in need and SEE your generosity being utilized and appreciated.
What a beautiful post! :’)
I love love love this & you are one great lady…raising two more great ones to put out into to the world. Praise the good Lord for his work in us, & then through us. I saw a quote the other day that I feel is appropriate here: ‘Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor, the devil says, ‘Oh, crap. She’s up.’
:)
I’ve never heard that quote…I love it!!!
What a great post! I have so many clothes that are too big for me now and I really need to go through and donate them. Especially living in Chicago, I see so many people who are in need, and it sure gets cold here!
Yup…”too big” may be “just right” for someone else!
I love this… that’s so nice. What a good lesson for your girls too. You are so right, we have so much to be greatful for.
PS: I made one of your soup recipes last night and blogged about the success (and *cough* fail) of the turn out
thanks for inspiring!
I’ll go check it out…thanks!
Beautiful! I used to work with an inner city ministry and loved being able to put coats, blankets, socks, shoes, etc in the hands of those that desperately need them. Once I was able to deliver shoes to a boy who had missed school for two weeks because he did not have any shoes. It was a powerful moment!
Oh my gosh, that is heartbreaking. I learned yesterday that there are nearly 1,000 kids in our school district that are homeless. 1,000 of Gigi’s peers don’t have homes? My gosh.
Thank you for the inspiration. I’ll do so as soon as I’ll get back home. And I’ll look for boots too to donate. I have too many anyway and I always wear the same. We don’t always take the time to think of the one who aren’t as lucky but your post gave to many of us this opportunity today.
I’m so glad, thanks Ce.
I love this cause, I have supported it before and can think of few things more meaningful – thank you for the post.
When we were having the horrible wildfire problems last month I donated a bunch of old coats and sweaters to the one of the donation dropoff points… those folks lost everything and will be needing them soon, even if it doesn’t get that cold here (60 degrees is enough for us to break out the sweaters though, lol). I am blessed to have so much, and donating makes me even more grateful in that regard! Your family rocks.
What a great idea to give to the wildfire victims. We take so much for granted!
Great timing with the shift in weather! I routinely go through my closet and donate clothes. I also try to purchase a few childrens cold weather items and donate those close to the holidays. My question is does anyone know where I can donate personal hygiene items (ex:shampoo, toothpaste, razors)? I try to pick things up when I have coupons and can get them really cheap for the purpose of donating them but I haven’t figured out where to take them yet. If anyone has a suggestion I would appreciate it. I’m in New Jersey but I figured there are similar programs in every state.
Here’s a link to NJ’s Community Action network:
http://www.njcaanet.org/programs_find.php
or
You could call 211 in most states, here’s the link for NJ:
http://www.nj211.org/
My church just collected shoes for “Soles for Souls.” I love that there are ample opportunities for your items to get a second life, no need for items to go to waste. Also these are great lessons to teach our children. Hopefully making them more compassionate and well rounded humans when they grow older.
If Pea Daddy needs a reference on guns let me know (I am partial to a pump action shot gun, the noise of the pump makes people nervous enough) we are shopping around to keep our daughter boyfriend free (she is only 2).
Ha ha ha….I don’t think Pea Daddy would go near a gun in reality. Maybe if it was a Tommy Bahama Special Edition?
I did this in a way last year. While it was still cool but not cold during the New Jersey autumn, I had told a friend, I wish it would get colder so I can wear my cozy coats. Then I heard about the 30+ people who had died in Europe due to the cold, and I felt awful for making my wish, because not everyone is fortunate enough to have a cozy coat. I donated my two coats that I had bought on a whim the winter before, and was no longer interested in, and (lucky me) had so many other clothes to make room for, I gave them to the Lupus foundation. The only problem with this is that I’m sure my coats didn’t go directly to someone who needed a warm coat. I will keep One Warm Coat in mind when I go through my closet this year.
Thanks for the reminder.
You are welcome…thanks for giving!
What a lovely post. I’d be shy around Spencer too.
She goes for the bad boys.
That was a beautiful post and I will add it to my list of items to do this month
Thanks!
You are so inspiring, thank you for that post.
Thanks for making me cry like a baby. I’m emotional, but I’m sure I wasn’t the only one moved. I donated SO much stuff when I moved in March, but I bet you I can still find a coat or two sitting in the closet unused. Thanks for the inspiration Mama.
What a wonderful post and great reminder. I <3 you Pea Family!
Thanks for this wonderful post. I was just at a women’s shelter yesterday, and I went home and pulled out a few old coats to donate. And, the added bonus (for me) is cleaner closets!
You are right…a total win-win!
That is a wonderful idea. I was just looking at several in my closet that I’ve been meaning to drop off at goodwill. I will check out the organization. It would be fun to host a local drive, too.
I’m thinking of putting one together myself…if only I had some coats still
You are so…amazing. Sometimes I think how I never would have even met you or come across your blog had I skipped out on attending last years Foodbuzz Festival. But I went. And I met you. And you s-h-i-n-e in a way that I haven’t seen in a long time. It makes me want to hug you, but I refrain from weirding you out in a really quick way. I can’t wait to hang out more at Foodbuzz in SF next weekend!
You totally just made me choke up. Thank you, Morgan! I’ll see you soon!
You guys are amazing!! Thanks for the inspiration.
The world is a better place because of people like you.
Gosh, thanks. We try!
Wonderful post Mama Pea!
We do this every December. Whatever clothes that don’t fit, we don’t use anymore, or we haven’t used in the past year are put into bags and we donate. We also donated toys my son had outgrown last year. It feels good in so many ways, knowing someone can use those clothes and toys, plus I really want to teach my son about sharing, helping people, and the value of material things (meaning people are way more important than stuff and we should feel like if we have a lot we can always share).
I am going to look into the one warm coat website. And I totally agree with what Carrie said, the world would be even better if there were more Mamas like you around!
Ana
What a nice thing to do! I’ve been clearing out in preparation for a move and Goodwill has made out very well.
I’ve been meaning to go through my closets. Thanks for the extra motivation. We’ve got lots of coats (and a couple hideous sweater vests) to give away! Yay for helping others! Working on my special post. Sooooo thankful for your generosity!
Fantastic — good for you! So, so much to be grateful for.
thanks for this reminder! i am going to forward this info to my co workers
This is awesome. You’re family is right on! I actually have a few coats myself that don’t fit that I’d like to donate. It’s what this season is all about, and I definitely want to instill that in my children.
Just wanted to pop in and say how awesome this is. It is an amazing reminder for all of us who really have so so much to give. Thank you Mama!
Beautiful post. Thank you so much for sharing.
Awwww! You’ve inspired me! I’m always complaining we waste so many things at our house. Why on earth do my children need THREE jackets?! Maybe we’ll clean em out and take em to the women’s shelter I showed them last week.
Yay! That is AWESOME!
Great idea. If you are looking for a good cry..(who isn’t?) : ) Then check out this children’s book – The Rag Coat.
http://www.amazon.com/Rag-Coat-Lauren-Mills/dp/0316574074
I haven’t put my mascara on yet…I’ll go take a peek
This is so touching. I can surely find a coat I don’t wear any more, I just did a search and found a donation site in my city. I was just sitting here in my lab complaining about how cold I am, thanks for the wake up call!
You are welcome. We all need a wakeup call now and then.
two or three times a year, we give bags of clothing to an organization that takes care of abused women. / I love your work and your writing … although I am an atheist and not very sensitive to comments about god and I think we make our own luck, but I respect you because it implies beautiful values.
Thank you, Anne. I respect you and your values as well!
Love this!
Living abroad for this year or two means that I don’t really have any spare clothes / coats with me but I do always try to give and help out where I can… It’s easy to forget how much worse it gets for some people come wintertime 
We really are all so lucky!
Great post. I have already stuff set aside to take to the Salvation Army, but thanks for the reminder to check through my coat closets too before I go.
We’re having a coat drive at work and I keep meaning to go through our closets – all three of us, including the away-at-college 19 year old who still has stuff in her closet at home – to find one from each of us for people in need. In San Diego we’re blessed that it never gets THAT cold, even in the dead of winter, but when you don’t have anywhere to live even 50 degrees is just too cold.
Bless you, Denise…nice job!
Bless you for doing that! I gather stuff all year (clothes, linens, gift cards, food, toiletries, etc) and take it to homeless shelters and/or food banks. I”ve even just given it to homeless I see on the street.
My first thought is always “There but for the grace of God, go I’. It could have been and still could be me…..
Amen, amen, amen!
Wow! Thank you for the inspiration!
Thanks for the reminder, Sarah. I made a call this morning to the local soup kitchen about volunteering on Thanksgiving, and was harshly reminded that EVERYONE wants to volunteer on Thanksgiving, and it’s the other 364 days a year that they need help. Of course, helping is always good, but it’s helpful to know the BEST ways to help.
..that comment contained a lot of “help.”
Maybe you can HELP before Thanksgiving or after? I think maybe the girls and I will try to do both.
This is a great reminder, and a lovely story. I donate clothes regularly myself, but I really ought to go through my coats now when they can really help someone. It’s snowing here in NY today, and I hate walking outside seeing people who don’t have enough to keep warm. Every little bit helps, right?
Beautiful and so true!