There is a Japanese proverb that says, “One kind word can warm three winter months.” If a kind word can be so powerful, what can a kind action do? Colder weather is on the way, so coats, hats, and gloves are needed to be ready for it. During the month of November, Mast Store and Columbia Sportswear are partnering for the fifteenth time to Share the Warmth Coat Collection in our home communities

For the last 14 years, our guests, customers, and fellow community members have joined us to provide coats, fleeces, jackets, heavy sweaters, and warm accessories to those in need. And Columbia has made their own donation of new jackets and fleeces for the last 10 years to share the warmth with even more people. 

“We are grateful for Columbia’s support,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast Store. “When we approached them with this idea several years ago, they were quick to jump on board to help out.”

Each location will have a box ready to collect clean, gently-worn warm outerwear, as well as gloves, scarves, hats, and even blankets. “We know that we can’t help everyone,” continued Cooper, “but we can do more with the help of Columbia and our community than we can by ourselves. Sometimes it just takes letting people know what is needed.”

Check your closets and storage bins. Chances are you have a coat or jacket that could better serve someone else this winter. Just bring them by your favorite Mast Store throughout the month of November. The greatest needs include children’s coats and larger sizes (XXL or larger). We’ll share all contributions with our community partners. Some items received will be given to other organizations, like animal shelters and humane societies, where they will also make an impact.

Our stores have carefully chosen their partners who are working directly with people in need of assistance.

Original Store, Annex, and Boone – coats will be donated to the Watauga Senior Centers and Watauga County Schools.

Waynesville – coats will go to the Haywood County School System.

Hendersonville – donations will go to the Bounty of Bethlehem and Interfaith Assistance Ministry.

Asheville – Hillcrest Family Resource Center will receive the donated coats.

Greenville – the Frazee Dream Center and Miracle Hill Ministries are receiving the donations.

Knoxville – coats, jackets, and fleeces will go to the Ladies of Charity.

Columbia – donated items will go to Palmetto Place Children's and Youth Services and Transitions Homeless Center.

Winston-Salem – items will be given to the Crossnore School and the Angel Tree at Finnegan’s Wake.

If you need a new coat, check out the many offerings from Columbia to support their generosity. It is amazing the impact a little closet cleaning can have in your local community. If you can’t donate at a Mast Store, there are similar coat drives going on right around your local corner, so please consider donating there. It’ll warm your heart and physically warm someone in need.