Asheville Ministry Hosts Coats for the Cold Giveaway

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries distributed winter clothing to hundreds of families and individuals in need.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Philanthropy

Live Poll

Do you think your community is doing enough to help people stay warm this winter?

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries held its annual Coats for the Cold clothing giveaway in Asheville on Saturday, November 7, around noon. Coats, hats, gloves, and socks were distributed to hundreds of families and individuals in need.

Why it matters

Colder temperatures are approaching, and not everyone has the essentials needed to stay warm this winter. Clothing is often disposable for the unhoused and marginalized, so people need to be prepared for winter after spring, summer, and fall.

The ministry reported serving hundreds of families and individuals at a single Saturday event, with no exact count or prior-year comparison disclosed. The total quantity of coats, hats, gloves, and socks distributed has not been reported.

The players

Western Carolina Rescue Ministries

A Asheville-based nonprofit that provides aid and resources to people experiencing homelessness and poverty in western North Carolina.

The details

The giveaway took place at Western Carolina Rescue Ministries' location at 225 Patton Avenue in Asheville, where recipients received coats, hats, gloves, and socks. The ministry accepts gently used or new winter wear donations, which can be arranged by contacting or visiting the organization in person.

Saturday, November 7: Coats for the Cold giveaway held around noon at 225 Patton Avenue in Asheville.
As the holidays approach: colder temperatures arrive, increasing demand for winter clothing.

Community Lens

The annual Coats for the Cold program is a recurring seasonal effort by Western Carolina Rescue Ministries that ties aid distribution to the arrival of colder weather in Asheville. It reflects a yearly cycle in which local charities prepare winter clothing ahead of the holiday season.

Asheville residents who want to help can donate gently used or new winter wear by contacting or visiting Western Carolina Rescue Ministries at 225 Patton Avenue. Donations are especially useful as temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches.

The takeaway

Checking closets for gently used winter coats, hats, gloves, and socks before the cold sets in can help local shelters and ministries meet the need. Contacting a local organization directly is often the simplest way to find out what items are most needed.