Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
On any given night, The Road Home sees around 1,000 people looking for help across all three of the charitable organization's Salt Lake County facilities. Sometimes, that number can be as high as 2,000.
That is why gently used coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and blankets, as well as new underwear are being accepted at any participating Bank of Utah, Arctic Circle, or Red Hanger location Oct. 21 through Nov 15.
"Winter will be here in the near future, so the need for clothing is huge," says Rachel Anderson, marketing specialist at The Road Home. "As temperatures continue to drop, the need is just going to rise."
The steep climb in demand is pretty much a given each year, Anderson notes. Luckily, the kindness of the community is just as reliable.
Clothing drive successfully grows each year
For more than a decade, Warm Bodies, Warm Souls, a clothing drive held by Bank of Utah, Arctic Circle and Red Hanger, has given Utahns a way to support those who need a little extra help, especially when the colder season arrives. And best of all, each year the pile of donated clothing gets bigger and bigger.
For Anderson, one of the best days of the year is when the drive ends and leaders from each of the three businesses show up to drop off the donations at the Pamela Atkinson Resource Center.
"Warm Bodies, Warm Souls is truly one of my favorite partnerships," Anderson says. "It really reminds me how important it is to have empathy and compassion for our fellow community members."
It's just as meaningful to the partners working to put the clothing drive into action.
Last year we saw over 600 bags of clothing donated, "It is a memorable and powerful experience to drop off the donations to these charities annually. I look forward to it and cannot wait to see what this year's drive brings.
–Megan Kenley, Bank of Utah
"Last year we saw over 600 bags of clothing donated," says Megan Kenley, AVP communications and marketing manager at Bank of Utah. "It is a memorable and powerful experience to drop off the donations to these charities annually. I look forward to it and cannot wait to see what this year's drive brings."
Giving can also be receiving
Donations can be dropped off at any Bank of Utah, Arctic Circle or Red Hanger location. In exchange for the good deed, donors receive a voucher for a free shirt cleaning at Red Hanger or a cheeseburger at Arctic Circle.
While The Road Home sees a fair share of the donations, which are distributed throughout its network, it isn't the only group that receives a literal truckload of warm clothing thanks to Warm Bodies, Warm Souls. From Logan to St. George, more than a dozen charitable organizations benefit from the clothing drive.
Providing light and joy during dreary winter months
"The children just light up with excitement when they get a warm coat to wear to school," says Tremonton Community Food Pantry Director Carey Hunsaker.
"The collected clothes provide help and hope to those in need during the dark days of winter," adds Catholic Community Services of Utah Basic Needs director Randy Chappell.
Lantern House of Ogden is another location that sees donations literally warming up the lives of those in need.
"For years, Warm Bodies, Warm Souls has supported Lantern House and the men, women and children that call Lantern House home. The drive allows us to continually support the nightly shelter needs and additional services for all those coming to us every night," says The Lantern House Executive Director Lauren Navidomskis.
Fulfilling some unique needs
Groups are looking for clothing that fits all shapes and sizes, from children to adults. Footwear, gloves and hats can also go a long way. In fact, one of the drive's most dedicated annual donors has become well-known by the business leaders for crocheting dozens of hats each year.
Anderson notes there is an especially big need for men's clothing this year. Items specific to women's and babies' needs are also very useful. And as always, new underwear and socks are a welcome and valuable donation.
But whatever can be given is sure to be appreciated. Donations are a welcome comfort for many in need, but some donations are life-saving to those who are simply trying to survive the cold of winter.
"We as an organization are so lucky and grateful for the support we receive from the community," Anderson says. "It's incredibly heartwarming to see the community and these amazing organizations come together to do good. It reminds me of why I work at The Road Home and why I love Utah and our community."
