Lands' End Shop at Sears (Sunrise Mall) will be collecting new and gently used coats on behalf of Volunteers of America's clients now through Nov. 30 as part of its Big Warm-up campaign.

Volunteers of America joins Lands' End at Sears to provide coats for those in need through the 'Big Warm-up'; donate a used jacket by Nov. 30 and receive 20% off a new one!

The temperature of the human heart is a toasty warm 98.6°F. The average nighttime winter temperature in the Greater Sacramento area is a chilling 39°F. There are some 2,800 homeless people on any given night in Sacramento – each facing a long, cold winter.

This November, Lands’ End is joining with the National Coalition for the Homeless to make a difference in their lives with the Big Warm-up – a nationwide initiative starting Oct. 29 and continuing through Nov. 30 to collect gently used coats for those in need across the country.

Locally, Volunteers of America Greater Sacramento & Northern Nevada will distribute the coats collected at the Lands’ End Shop at Sears Sunrise Mall (5900 Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights; 916.536.5300).

It is a win-win proposition for those bringing in their gently used coats, with each coat donation earning a 20 percent discount off the purchase of a new Lands’ End coat.

People can learn more about the Big Warm-up and track its progress nationwide at www.bigwarmup.com.

“Donating a coat to help a homeless person doesn’t just warm the hearts of those who will wear it, it also warms the hearts of those who donate,” says Nick Coe, president of Lands’ End. “We know that an entire country can be more powerful in helping others than just one organization alone. We hope the Big Warm-up will not only provide support for homeless people in our country, but will encourage a contagious spirit that brings the community together to help people in need.”

For more information on how you can help – including volunteer opportunities – contact Community Relations Manager Kim Castaneda at 916.442.3691, or e-mail her at kimc@voa-sac.org.