As cooler weather settles over the Reno‑Sparks area, the Hot August Nights Foundation is urging community members to donate new or gently used coats and jackets for children. The annual coat drive runs through October 31 and will distribute the outerwear to local youth through the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows.
How the drive works
Donors may drop off coats of any size—from infant to adult—at a series of convenient locations throughout Reno and Sparks. Drop‑off sites include the Hot August Nights office at 1425 E. Greg St. in Sparks, Champion Chevrolet on Kietzke Lane, Summit Racing Equipment, 1st Choice Automotive Restoration, Sam’s Sparkle Shop, two Western Alliance Bank branches, Nugget Casino Resort, Port of Subs, J Resort, and the Courtyard by Marriott Reno Downtown/Riverfront.
For those who prefer to shop online, the foundation has added an Amazon wish list. Items purchased from the list are shipped directly to the organization for distribution.
Impact on local families
Last year the drive supplied 543 coats to children across the region. Foundation leaders hope to match or exceed that number this season, recognizing that a single warm coat can make a significant difference for a family struggling to keep a child comfortable during winter months.
“This is one of those little things that can make a big difference for a family,” said Lisa Jansen, executive director of Hot August Nights. “Every coat donated helps keep a local child warm, and we’re thankful for everyone who pitches in.”
Why it matters
Winter temperatures in the high desert can dip well below freezing, and many low‑income families lack the resources to purchase adequate winter clothing. By providing coats through a trusted local nonprofit, the community ensures that children can attend school and participate in activities without the distraction of cold.
The partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows helps streamline distribution, getting coats directly into the hands of children who need them most. The effort also reinforces the broader principle of caring for one another—a value deeply rooted in the community’s faith‑centered, family‑first culture.
How to help
Donors are encouraged to bring clean, gently used or new coats to any of the listed locations during normal business hours. The foundation will continue to accept donations until the end of the day on October 31, giving residents ample time to contribute.
For additional information, volunteers can contact the Hot August Nights office or visit the foundation’s website, where the Amazon wish list and a map of drop‑off sites are available.
Looking ahead
Beyond the coat drive, the Hot August Nights Foundation remains committed to supporting local families through a variety of charitable initiatives throughout the year. By rallying businesses, civic groups, and individual donors, the organization aims to strengthen the social fabric of Reno, Sparks, and the surrounding Truckee Meadows area.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
