During the first two weeks of December, the Brighton campus of Ross Medical Education Center collected nearly 50 coats and other various winter clothing items. In the middle of the month, the items were transported and delivered to Livingston Christian School, a drop-off for One Warm Coat, in Pinckney, Michigan. From there, they will very soon be distributed to shelters and organizations in the local area. Cathy Dorosh, Brighton Campus Director, said, “it’s so wonderful to see how generous our students and staff have been for this much needed fundraiser!”
One Warm Coat is making a difference in many communities across the United States. Their history of making a significant positive impact started back in 1992 with a Thanksgiving weekend coat drive at a single location in San Francisco. Since then it has continued to grow rapidly across the country. From their humble beginnings, they have grown so far that they have now given away nearly four million coats and are anticipating over 3,000 coat drives this year!
According to the One Warm Coat website, “Health experts report that even a 2-degree drop in body temperature results in reduced heart rate, loss of coordination, and confusion. Adults cannot work effectively and children find it difficult to learn. For most, a warm coat solves the problem. But, for the now nearly 15% of Americans living in poverty, a warm winter coat is a budget extra. An estimated 671,850 Americans experience homelessness on any given night” (U.S. Census data September 2011 and Hypothermia, University of Maryland Medical Center).
If you are interested in helping One Warm Coat keep those in need warm this winter, visit their website, www.onewarmcoat.org, or Facebook page for more information. In addition to coats they accept any outerwear that will keep someone warm — coats, sweaters, jackets, sweatshirts, or scarves. Also, if you have any hats or mittens, they would be appreciated also.