Pump Up The Giving: Richmond-Wide Coat Drive

On one of the coldest weekends of the year and in the biggest snowstorm Richmond has seen in quite some time, the Salvation Army’s distribution center at Chesterfield Towne Center put out an alarming report. At the time, they thought more than 300 coats meant for needy individuals in the Richmond area had been stolen. Fortunately, a new report out Tuesday said they were actually only misplaced. Still, there are many in our area who need a helping hand.

That’s why we’ve partnered with 10 local businesses through our ongoing charity campaign, “Pump Up The Giving,” to provide coats to those who need them most. This campaign is not just here in Short Pump like our food drive a few months ago, but Richmond-wide, and aims to provide city-wide drop-off sites for winter coats of all shapes, sizes, colors and types. From Short Pump to Shockoe Bottom and Ashland to Midlothian, there’s a donation spot near you.

Whether new or used, your coat donation will be greatly appreciated and keep someone in need warm over these frigid months. The drive is ongoing now through January 15, 2010. More information, including a complete interactive drop-off location map, websites and phone numbers can be found here and at the top of every page on the site.

We can’t tell you how much we appreciate your help with this project and for being a loyal reader of Downtown Short Pump throughout the year and would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, the happiest of holidays and a prosperous New Year!