A Little About an Organization Doing Big Things

This year we have a new partner, Operation Warm. Big Warm Up, Operating Warm - what's the difference? Well, The Big Warm Up collects new and used coats for all people in need in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, while Operation Warm is a nationwide effort, that has distributed over 600,000 new coats to school children in the past decade. Operation Warm believes that "every child, wearing a new winter coat, will be healthy, able to attend school regularly and develop strong self esteem". The partnership, of course, is a natural one, as the Big Warm Up believes coats are essential to keeping everyone healthy and active in the winter.

If you don't have any coats around to donate, then please donate money to Operation Warm. Just $15 can help to provide a new coat to a child in our community. For more information on Operation Warm, check out their site. For more information on donating locally, contact Valerie Morini at valeriemorini [at] gmail [dot] com. She's a UVa Alum who works for Operation Warm and is working with UVa students to raise money on Grounds to get coats to kids in our area.

The Coats Have Piled Up!

WOW. We are blown away by how many coats are getting dropped off - and very thankful! The drive is running for only a few more days. Let's aim to double last year's coat count and make 1500 (!) people warmer this winter!

Check out this pics of coats and parkas stacking up at MACAA.

Two More Shout Outs (and two more drop off spots!!!)

We want to thank two fabulous businesses in town who have dedicated space within their establishments as drop-off points for Big Warm Up coats. Thanks to Pampered Pets and Mincers for taking in coats for us!

A Big Ole Shout Out...

...to Hollymead Elementary's PTO! This group of fabulous parents gathered over 100 coats for the Big Warm Up.

Thanks Hollymead moms and dads!

Big Warm Up Makes the News!

The Big Warm Up made the evening broadcast of Charlottesville's NBC29 newscast this week. It's been a great plug for the drive and people have been calling in to know more about the drive and to donate. Thanks NBC29 for your help getting the word out!

Miss the broadcast? Watch the video here.

Let's make this year's drive surpass last year by leaps and bounds!

Coats! Bring Out Your Coats!

The Big Warm Up 2010 is officially on! We are collecting coats now thru December 3rd during regular business hours at the Haven at First and Market and MACAA. PLUS we will have collection bins around UVa Grounds.

As it's getting colder please remember those in our community who don't have a warm coat to wear when walking to school, waiting for the bus, riding their bike, or maybe to wear at home because the heat doesn't work. If you have a coat to spare, send it our way!