North Fulton Charities Celebrates 25 Years Of Warm Coat Drive

ROSWELL, GA — North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) is celebrating 25 years of the annual Warm Coat Drive this year.

The Warm Coat Drive started in 1994 as a service project for local Girl Scout Cadet Troop 628 from Crabapple Middle School.

NFCC collects new and gently worn coats and jackets as well as accessories such as hats, scarves and gloves, for adults and children, throughout the month of October culminating with Warm Coat Day on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Last year, NFCC distributed over 1,400 coats and accessories to families in need.

“Warm Coat Day is so important to the families who participate because it allows them to prepare their family for winter without the burden of that extra expense on their already stretched budgets,” said Eden Purdy, Director of Programs at NFCC. “Our community has always been so generous in providing for those in need during the coat drive.”

Andrea Weitzman was the troop leader for the Girl Scout troop that started Warm Coat Day 25 years ago.

“The girls in Troop 628 were very involved in service projects," Weitzman said. "It's very gratifying that the Warm Coat drive is still going strong since its inception 25 years ago.”

Until Oct. 24, donations will be accepted at several area drop off locations including:

• Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009
• CoreMatters, 1144 Canton Street, Suite 104, Roswell, GA 30075
• Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA, 3655 Preston Ridge Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005
• St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1015 Old Roswell Rd., Roswell, GA 30076

On Thursday, Oct. 24 from 2-5 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 2-5 p.m. donations can be delivered directly to the distribution center for Warm Coat Day. The address for the distribution center will be announced prior to the event.

Warm Coat Day is the first event of the NFCC Holiday Program. The Holiday Program also includes a Thanksgiving Food Program in November, a Sponsored Families Program and Santa Shop in December. Holiday Baskets are also provided to local senior residents. For more information on the holiday program including ways to donate and volunteer visit the website at nfccholiday.org.

The NFCC Holiday Program is presented by Macy’s and WellStar North Fulton Hospital. For more information on sponsoring this program, contact Holly York at hyork@nfcchelp.org.