As we scurry about enjoying the cool days of fall, we all know that colder temperatures are on the way, and many of us are ready to face whatever weather the coming season has to offer. Unfortunately, there are some in our communities who aren’t as prepared. The Mast General Store is partnering with Columbia Sportswear for this year's annual Share the Warmth coat, sweater and blanket collection campaign from now until November 30th.

 "When we proposed this idea to our long-time vendor Columbia, they were eager to help out," said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast Store. "For the past 12 years, Columbia has generously helped donate coats to our communities."

The Share the Warmth coat campaign supports different groups in each community with the organizations that are selected having close ties with the person in need. In many instances, there are special connections to the recipients – teachers who know a student's need firsthand will often come to pick out a coat that will be just right for him or her.

Donations made at any Mast Store will go to schools, shelters, or non-profit organizations that work directly with the individuals in need. Donations made through this avenue do not end up in sales shops. Each of our locations have chosen an agency to share its coats with:

Valle Crucis and Boone, NC – Watauga County Schools and Hunger and Health Coalition
Asheville, NC - Haywood Homeless Shelter
Hendersonville, NC - Interfaith Assistance Ministry
Waynesville, NC - Haywood County Schools
Winston-Salem, NC - The Children’s Home and Winston-Salem Rescue Mission
Greenville, SC – United Ministries
Columbia - Epworth Children's Home
Knoxville, TN - Ladies of Charity

"We invite you to help warm up your community by sharing your gently-worn, clean coats, jackets, sweaters, gloves, hats, and even blankets, so others can be more comfortable this winter. Please drop them off at the Mast Store in your community before November 30th," said Cooper.

If you aren't near a Mast Store, but have perused your closet to find a winter coat that needs a new home, please consider Sharing the Warmth near your home. The need is great, and it will warm your heart, too.

View our Columbia collection.