Lois Pavlow organized her first coat collection in Union Square on Thanksgiving weekend 1992 because she wanted a coat to be given to someone in need.
   

From that first effort, One Warm Coat was born – a community effort assisting in the collection of clean, reusable coats and jackets for donation to local children and adults free of charge.
   

The organization’s mission is to ensure that anyone who needs a coat has one. Providing this simple, yet vital need helps people live productive lives year round. Since its inception, more than 500,000 coats have been collected and distributed through One Warm Coat activities.
   

Coats of all shapes and sizes are always needed, with children’s sizes in most demand. The program is a wonderful way for you and your family to pass along coats and jackets that you no longer use or need.
   

With winter approaching, no one should have to go without the basic necessity of a coat. Jovino, the Union Street coffeehouse and wine cafe, will be collecting clean, reusable coats and jackets to assist the One Warm Coat community service effort. Just bring your coats to Jovino, 2184 Union Street, near the corner of Union and Fillmore, anytime through December 31. All donated coats will be given to One Warm Coat for community distribution.
   

In thanks for your donation to help warm others, Jovino will reward you with some warmth as well. Anyone who drops off a coat or jacket will receive a gift card good for five free coffee drinks (one card per customer, please). Coffee, latte, cappuccino, or tea – whatever your drink is, Jovino will provide it for free, just for donating to this wonderful cause. Jovino is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 8:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m. You can call them at 415-563-1853 for more information.
   

To find out more about One Warm Coat, or to organize your own winter coat collection, contact
Sherri Wood, OWC national coordinator, at 415-474-8481, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.onewarmcoat.org.