For many people, keeping warm during cooler months can be as simple as reaching into the closet and pulling out a warm, fuzzy sweater. When it gets even colder, they can grab a trusty winter coat and bundle up in layers if needed.
However, far too many Utahns don't have these luxuries.
For the unsheltered and otherwise challenged, finding warm clothing can be a difficult and necessary obstacle to overcome.
"We do get a ton of incredible support from the community in terms of donations year-round, but the winter months are especially crucial," said Rachel Anderson, marketing specialist at The Road Home. "A lot of the people we serve are out in the elements for hours on end going to work or appointments without sufficient transportation, and we serve approximately 900 people per night. It would be nice if every person had at least one jacket or pair of gloves."
Not only do charities like The Road Home serve adults in the community, but they also work with people of all ages, shapes and sizes, really. And it isn't just the folks in snowy Northern Utah who have been touched by the kindness of the three companies' customers either.
In addition to numerous homeless support groups along the Wasatch Front, Warm Bodies, Warm Souls also sends donations down to The Well Pregnancy Resource Center in St. George. There, donations like newborn clothing, diapers, bottle-feeding supplies and small baby toys are greatly appreciated.
After all, you can't forget about the little ones this time of year.
"We do serve families with children, from newborns up to 18-year-olds," Anderson said. "We serve children who have no control over their situation. (For example), right now we're in desperate need of children's coats and winter clothing."
It takes a lot of hard work and kindness to fill the void. So, for the last decade-plus, three Utah-born companies – Arctic Circle, Bank of Utah and Red Hanger – have combined their efforts during the fall season to pull off a joint clothing drive, "Warm Bodies, Warm Souls."
And through Nov. 16, generous donors can make their giving easy by bringing new or gently used warm clothing to their nearest Arctic Circle, Bank of Utah or Red Hanger location. In exchange for their kind gesture, they'll be rewarded with a free double cheeseburger or shirt cleaning.
"Giving back to the community is so important to us," said Arctic Circle's Chief Marketing Officer, Joe Evans. "Each year, we are inspired by all the donations we see, both large and small. We are looking forward to giving out a lot of burgers to our kind and generous neighbors."
Over the years, Arctic Circle and Red Hanger have given thousands of burgers and cleaned hundreds of shirts for Warm Bodies, Warm Souls donors. Bank of Utah has seen literally tons of donated clothing come through its doors as well. Consistently sending hundreds of large-sized bags of clothes to charitable groups all over the state, Warm Bodies, Warm Souls has become one of Utah's most impactful annual clothing drives.
"Our goal is to be the biggest clothing drive in Utah," said Roger Christensen, SVP of Business Development and Communications at Bank of Utah. "Working together, we've seen our donation amounts get bigger and bigger each year, which is so exciting."
Rounding up the clothing is no small task. Luckily, the three companies have it down to a science by using their unique strengths. With donation barrels at their business locations all over the state, Red Hanger fleet vans go about gathering the clothing throughout the drive. It's not uncommon for the team to clear barrels multiple times a week once the donations come pouring in.
Together, the leadership teams at Arctic Circle, Bank of Utah and Red Hanger are overjoyed to see the bags of clothing pile up at a Red Hanger storage area each year. Delivering the bags themselves is also one of the most anticipated events of the year. It feels great to give back to the community they've done business in for decades, they all agree.
And it all comes together thanks to the generosity of many strangers, customers, and friends. Talk about warm and fuzzy.
The Warm Bodies, Warm Souls Clothing Drive will be held through Nov. 16 at any participating Bank of Utah, Arctic Circle, or Red Hanger location. Charities are looking for gently used coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and blankets, as well as new underwear. For more information, visit this link.
