One Warm Coat drive underway; public can donate at Auburn locations

Guardian Operations, LLC and nonprofit working together

January 7, 2018 11:30 am
The One Warm Coat team. COURTESY PHOTO

For the Reporter

One of the greatest rewards of having a small business is the ability to give back to the community.

When Matt and Lori Swanson first started Guardian Roofing, LLC (now Guardian Operations, LLC), they didn’t have a lot of money. However, they knew they could do something to give back.

The Swanson’s and Guardian Roofing decided to hold their very own winter coat drive and donate the collected coats to the Tacoma Rescue Mission.

“The peace of mind, safety, and warmth provided by a good roof reminded us of the security, comfort and warmth one feels when they are protected by a warm coat,” Lori explained. “In the frosty days ahead, the need for warm coats will only continue to increase.”

This is why Guardian Operations LLC brought back a past tradition, determined to fill their trucks full of warm winter coats and to give back to their community.

Guardian Operations chose to partner with One Warm Coat.

Celebrating 25 years as a nonprofit, One Warm Coat works to provide a free, warm coat to any person in need. They provide local support to any business or organization choosing to hold a One Warm Coat Drive by providing free instructions, materials, tools and resources. Coats are distributed to local agencies, people or nonprofits in need and without charge.

Since 1992, more than 27,000 coat drives have been held with more than five million coats given out to seniors, adults and children in need.

As part of the coat drive, cash funds are raised to ensure all who need a coat will receive one. Guardian Operations has a goal is to collect more than 500 coats for local communities and raise a minimum of $500 dollars to help One Warm Coat’s National Coat Drive Program.

If you have a coat(s) you’d like to donate, please feel free to drop it off at their office at 1400 W. Main St., Suite B, Auburn. If you are unable to come to them, by making a quick call to their office at 253-926-9966, Guardian will gladly pick up when they are in your area from now until Jan. 31.

There is also a dropoff site inside Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St.

“Regardless of the donation, anything will help and we truly appreciate your generosity,” Lori said.

For more information, visit onewarmcoat.org.