Carolina Ophthalmology and First Citizens Bank donated 316 coats to children and adults in need of warmth. The coats were donated to The Storehouse in Henderson County, Eblen Charities in Buncombe County and Steps to HOPE in Polk County.

“We were so glad to partner with One Warm Coat and these local charities this winter.  There is a real need for coats in our local community and One Warm Coat’s program made it easy to us to make a difference and spread much needed warmth. We had a goal of collecting 200 coats, and we surpassed it! We are so thankful for our generous patients and staff that contributed their coats to help those in need.” said Dr. Clayton Bryan, president of Carolina Ophthalmology, PA.

Jessica Powell of Steps to HOPE added, “We are very appreciative and happy to receive this donation of coats!  The timing was perfect to help those in need in our community, especially with the extreme cold weather we have been having lately.”

Each year, hundreds of thousands of gently worn coats are distributed across North America to children, women and men in need through One Warm Coat’s Coat Drive program. “We are so grateful for our wonderful partners like Carolina Ophthalmology and First Citizens Bank.  We are thrilled so many patients and customers came together to provide warmth for their neighbors in need and are thankful to everyone who donated!” said One Warm Coat president and CEO, Jennifer Stockard.

– submitted by Paula Culbreth