Warm Coats Warm Souls: A Call to Help Our Neighbors Stay Warm this Fall and Winter
As we welcome the crisp air and the familiar “Happy Fall, Y’all,” it’s also a reminder that the colder days are just around the corner. In fact, this week we’ve already felt the chill with temperatures dipping into the 40s overnight. By next week, those lows will be dropping into the 30s.
While many of us can wrap ourselves in cozy sweaters and warm jackets, there are hundreds in our community who don’t have that luxury. Right here in Lincolnton, at least 350 children rely on clothing assistance to stay warm, and we can safely assume that those children have adults who could use that help too. Across the Gaston-Lincoln-Cleveland area, there are more than 1,000 individuals facing homelessness, many right here in our own backyard.
We know that our community has already given so much. Over the past few weeks, many of you have opened your hearts and your wallets to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene. And we are so grateful for that generosity. However, as winter approaches, there are still urgent needs right here at home.
If you can count on staying warm this fall, please consider helping those who can’t.
2 Shirts Ministry is excited to launch what we hope will become an annual event: Warm Coats Warm Souls. It’s a simple yet powerful way to bring warmth—and a bit of love—to those who need it most.
How Can You Help?
Our goal is to collect:
- 350 children’s coats
- 350 adult coats
- An equal number of hats and gloves
- Warm Fall and Winter clothing
- Hand warmers
We are accepting new and gently used items. Every coat, every hat, every glove, every garment you donate will help us keep someone warm this winter. And if you don’t have clothing to give, you can still help by making a financial contribution to support our ministry’s costs and ongoing community efforts.
We understand that resources may be stretched thin, especially after the hurricane relief efforts. But even if you can give just one item or share our message with others, it will make a world of difference to someone in need. Together, we can continue the spirit of giving that has already done so much for those affected by Helene and extend it to our local neighbors in need.
When and Where to Donate
We’ll start distributing these items at the end of the month, ensuring that every child and adult we serve is prepared for the cold. Once we’ve met our local needs, we’ll get extra items where they’re needed.
Due to ongoing hurricane relief efforts, we’re facing a shortage of drop-off locations for in-person donations. But don’t worry—we’ve created an easy way for you to help! We’ve set up an online gift registry through Walmart, so you can purchase items that will be shipped directly to us. This registry also allows people outside our immediate area to participate, spreading warmth far and wide.
If you have new or gently used coats, hats, or gloves to donate, please reach out! We’ll work with you to either pick them up or arrange a drop-off location. And if you’d like to contribute financially, we greatly appreciate any donations to support our ongoing efforts.
Stay Updated & Spread the Word
We’ll be posting updates on our progress on our event page and Facebook page, so you can see how close we are to reaching our goal. As soon as we secure more local drop-off locations, we’ll let you know.
In the meantime, we’d love your help spreading the word. Share this post on your social media, tell your friends, and let’s work together to make sure no one goes cold this winter.
Thank you for all you do for our community. Your kindness and generosity go a long way.