KNOXVILLE — The third annual “Cold Hands, Warm Hearts” glove drive is going on now through Dec. 11 at the University of Tennessee.
UT Dining Services and other campus organizations started the promotion in 2001 to complement the Knox Area Rescue Ministries’ “Coats for the Cold” program, which provides warm outerwear for the poor and needy.
A Christmas tree has been placed in each of the dining halls and convenience stores on campus. Donators can go and place gloves, scarves and hats on the trees as decorations.
Last year the “Cold Hands, Warm Hearts” drive collected 504 pairs of gloves, 30 hats, 10 hat and glove sets and 11 scarves. “Coats for the Cold” brought in around 6,000 coats.
This year the goal is to surpass last year-s numbers by at least 100 pairs of gloves. While all sizes and styles of gloves are accepted, there is always a greater need for men’s gloves.
“Everyone is aware that there are homeless people in our community,” said Mary Leslie Patterson, director of marketing for UT Dining Services. “But it is only when you sit down and talk to someone from the Knox Area Rescue Ministries that you realizes how many people need our help.”
“Coats for the Cold” donations can be made at any Knoxville area Goody-s Family Clothing or Prestige Cleaners.