Clark Hammond, Ph.D.
I’m a summer guy. I love the long days, kickin’ around in shorts and flip-flops. I love the beach, baseball, and the 4th of July. I love the warmth.
Autumn is beautiful though, and usually, by the end of a long, warm summer, the cool nights and vibrant colors along the mountainside are a welcomed change. But as a summer guy, I struggle to appreciate the Fall because just as sure as the leaves turn, winter is on its heels, and, let’s just say, I’m not a big fan.
I’m all for “living in the moment” and appreciating each day – just as it is, hot or cold, dry or snowy. But it’s much more difficult for me when it’s dark out on my way to AND from work. I’ve always enjoyed skiing, and “playing” in the snow, but managing the simple, mundane things of life is always more challenging in freezing temperatures and icy roads.
It’s almost a “tradition” for me during this time of year to feel a little sad; a little sorry for myself. But, it’s also become an annual tradition to get outside myself a bit, and look for small ways to help a neighbor in need. This, way more than skiing, helps me deal more effectively with the cold winters. Turning toward others helps put things into proper perspective – my petty “discomfort” during the darker, colder days of the season quickly dissipates when I recognize that others are truly suffering, and that perhaps I can help warm their day, even by just a few degrees.
What’s even more heartwarming are the myriad efforts I see by so many to help the less-fortunate in a variety of ways! Food drives, fund raisers, clothing drives, gift exchanges, secret giving angels – all born out of love and care for others, and the human desire to warm hearts. That’s why – despite the cold of winter – I actually love this time of year. And that’s why I love the annual STRīV Coat Drive.
Since its first year in operation, STRīV has been a One Warm Coat Ambassador. One of the most efficiently run charitable organizations, last year, in the midst of the global pandemic, One Warm Coat provided more than 260,000 free coats to children and adults across the country. For the third year in a row, STRīV is pleased to help contribute to this effort to “share the warmth.”
We invite you to join the cause.
One Warm Coat collects financial contributions and new or clean, lightly used coats for children and adults. Friends in the local area can drop coats off at our office at 254 N Orem Blvd, in Orem, UT. The “STRīV to THRīV COAT DRīV” runs from December 1 – 15, 2021. Friends who live farther away (or locals who would rather make a financial donation) can click on the following link and make a financial contribution. As One Warm Coat says, “$1 warms 1 person.”
https://onewarmcoat.salsalabs.org/eecoatdrive/p/strvtothrv/index.html
If making a donation through our “STRīV to THRīV COAT DRīV” is not feasible, we invite you to make a contribution to your local charitable organization and share the warmth in your area.
Whether you’re a summer person, or thrive in the winter season, the gift of warmth can make these next couple of weeks a wonderful time for both the givers and the receivers.
Happy holidays.
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