The annual Warm Bodies, Warm Souls clothing drive is underway to help Utahns stay warm as colder weather approaches, according to an October 21 report. From Oct. 19 through Nov. 20, Bank of Utah, Arctic Circle, and Red Hanger are inviting residents to donate winter essentials to support neighbors in need.
Donors may drop off gently used items, including coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and blankets, at participating Bank of Utah branches, Arctic Circle restaurants, and Red Hanger locations statewide. New socks and underwear are also being accepted.
As a thank-you for participating, donors will receive a coupon for a free shirt cleaning from Red Hanger or a free Double Cheeseburger from Arctic Circle.
The drive will collect donations for 15 nonprofit organizations serving individuals and families from Logan to St. George. Beneficiaries include the Cache Community Food Pantry, Tremonton Community Pantry, The Family Support Center in Brigham City and Ogden, and Catholic Community Services in Ogden.
Other participating organizations are The Lantern House, Bountiful Community Pantry, Crossroads Urban Center in Salt Lake City, The Road Home’s Men’s Resource Center, Heber Valley Center Stage/Christian Center of Park City, Community Action Services and Food Bank/Food and Care Coalition, The Well, United Way of Eastern Utah, Tabitha’s Way, Switchpoint, and the Cache Valley Humanitarian Center.
Since 2011, the Warm Bodies, Warm Souls initiative has brought Utah communities together, collecting hundreds of bags of warm clothing each season. Last year, community members donated 561 bags of warm clothing and $10,040 in cash contributions from 73 collection sites across the state.
Jodi Lunt, Chief Development Officer at Switchpoint, stated that every donated item helps vulnerable neighbors stay warm and comfortable through the winter. Lunt noted that the annual drive serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished when the community comes together to care for neighbors.
For a complete list of participating donation locations and the 15 benefiting organizations, residents can visit www.bankofutah.com/clothing-drive.
