We all know what it's like to be cold, but most of us experience it in short spurts, like walking to work, from the house to the mailbox, or from the car to the store. Now, think of that last time you were freezing, the chill seeping right down to your bones. And then imagine having no respite, no hope of getting warm anytime soon. New Hope Church and the Silo Center run the coat drive because we want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to stay warm, healthy, and safe over the winter. Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, nearly 60,000, or a full one-third, of Fairfax County students lived at or below the poverty level, and those families struggle to afford basic necessities. While we don't yet know the full impact the pandemic will have on this figure, we are certain it has risen substantially. The reality exists that not having a warm coat is real. When you don't have the money for food, let alone medicine, utilities, and base clothes, how can you afford a warm coat? That is why we want to provide a warm coat to any person in our immediate community that needs one. The coats we collect will be distributed to any person in need, without charge, discrimination, or obligation. You can help us spread warmth! Simply go through your closets and pull out your gently worn coats and drop them off in the box in front of church now through December 7th – it's that easy!