News Flash

Mayor Allen Joines is partnering with Red H.E.A.R.R.T. (Help Educate And Reduce Risk Today) and the Winston-Salem Police Department in a “Warm for Winter Holidays” coat collection and giveaway initiative that will be held Jan. 10 – 16, at the fence at the Beaty Center overflow parking lot between Samaritan Ministries (414 Northwest Blvd.) and the Salvation Army of Greater Winston-Salem (corner of 1255 Northwest Blvd. and Trade St.).

Under the initiative, city residents with coats, hats or gloves to spare are encouraged to hang them up on the fence outside the Beaty Center, under protective plastic. Individuals in need can come by and select items to help them stay warm.

The location was chosen to serve those who may have the most need, within a mile and a half radius of four homeless shelters (Bethesda Center, Samaritan Ministries, The Salvation Army and The Rescue Mission), said Cheryl Lindsay, the founder of Red H.E.A.R.R.T.

This initiative is not to compete with other coat initiatives, but to enhance and complement what’s already in place, she said. “The giveaway is meant to be a broad-reaching act of kindness from willing hearts to give warmth (coats, hats and gloves) to those that are in need, warming hearts and helping those that don’t have coats to keep warm.” 

Union Baptist Church and Great Commission Community Church have been collecting coats for the campaign to supplement coats that are dropped off during the event.

The Bethesda Center, Samaritan Ministries, Rescue Mission and Salvation Army will inform their clients of the campaign, Lindsay said. Coats left over after the drive will be provided to those shelters.

About Red H.E.A.R.R.T.

Red H.E.A.R.R.T. (Help Educate And Reduce Risk Today) is an initiative which advocates heart health in children, teens, women and men through education and awareness.  Over the last 13 years, its heart health initiatives have included education & programs on heart health, fitness, childhood obesity and overall nutrition. Additional information about Red H.E.A.R.R.T. can be found at www.RedHEARRT.com.