VALLE CRUCIS & BOONE, NC - The Mast General Store welcomes Columbia Sportswear’s partnership for this year’s Share the Warmth campaign. Last year, Columbia helped jumpstart coat collection with a donation for Helene relief. This year, they are making another donation of jackets to be distributed through Watauga County schools.
During the month of November, Mast Store is collecting gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, and blankets to share with our neighbors who need them.
“This is one of our most rewarding partnerships,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast Store. “I used to drop my children off at the elementary school and see other kids going in the doors with t-shirts on, even with temperatures in the 20s and snow on the ground. I’m glad we could make a connection with Columbia and our community to help keep kids warm.”
This is the 20th year that Mast Store has asked its guests and customers to check their closets for coats and jackets “looking” for a new home.
When it’s time to break out the cold-weather gear, it’s a good time to ask questions like “When’s the last time I wore this coat?” or “Does this jacket even still fit me?” The answers may lead the “asker” to find a new home and Share the Warmth with a neighbor.
Over the years, Mast Store has found that children and youth sizes, along with larger adult sizes (XXL and larger), are the most difficult ones to come by to meet the needs of local partners, and all donations will stay in the High Country area.
This is a great cause to share at meetings, on your social media accounts, and with family as colder weather is approaching. Chances are there’s at least one perfectly good jacket hanging around that has warmth to share.
Established in 1938, Columbia is a legend in the outerwear industry with a drive to "make it perfect and then make it better." From trending styles, like the Bugaboo jacket and Performance Fishing Gear, to cutting edge technologies, like OutDry, Omni-Heat, and TurboDown, Columbia is passionate about the outdoors and makes gear and apparel to keep you outside longer.
“Columbia is an important partner with our Share the Warmth Coat Collection Drive, and we appreciate their participation,” continued Cooper.
If you would like to donate, please make sure your gently used jacket, coat, sweater, or blanket is clean and drop it off at Mast Stores in Valle Crucis and Downtown Boone. They will be off to new homes in time to give Jack Frost the cold shoulder.
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