Keeping Kalama Warm: The 3rd Annual Coat Drive

Kalama’s Annual Coat Drive: A Movement of Warmth, Dignity, and Community

Every October in Kalama, WA, this little town proves just how big its heart truly is. What started as a simple idea back when I lived there has grown into a full-blown movement of kindness and connection—our Annual Coat Drive. Now in its third year, this tradition is more than just collecting jackets. It’s about giving our neighbors dignity, reminding them they belong, and showing that Kalama always takes care of its own.

And this year, we chose once again to partner with Kalama Helping Hand—because their mission aligns so closely with the heart behind this drive. Together, we’re going bigger, deeper, and more accessible than ever before.

The Spark That Lit the Movement

Years ago, when I first was introduced to Kalama Helping Hand, I witnessed something that changed me. I remember walking into the small back room where donated coats were stored. The racks were nearly empty—just a few mismatched, tattered jackets hanging limply, the kind that had clearly seen better days. Some zippers didn’t work, others were stained or outdated. It wasn’t just about the coats—it was about dignity. I remember thinking, “If this is all someone has to choose from to face the cold, we can do better.”

That moment stuck with me. It wasn’t pity—it was purpose. I saw firsthand the impact that Kalama Helping Hand has in our community. Week after week, they quietly serve local families, seniors, and kids who walk through their doors—no questions asked, just compassion and care. They’re the heartbeat of this small town, meeting people right where they are, making sure every child has food in their lunchbox, and every home has a little extra warmth when it’s needed most.

So, in 2023, we decided to do better. That’s when we launched the very first Kalama Coat Drive—a grassroots, community-powered effort to fill that coat closet with options that made people feel seen, valued, and cared for. That first year, our neighbors showed up in a big way. Over 400 coats poured in—brand new puffers, kids’ jackets, men’s parkas, cozy fleeces, and even a few designer pieces that made us all smile. Every single one of them stayed right here in Kalama, distributed directly through Helping Hand to local families and individuals who needed them most.

Last year, that number grew even higher—500+ coats, thanks to generous hearts, local businesses, and countless porch pickups across town. Each donation carried a story: a mom cleaning out her son’s closet, a couple dropping off new jackets after a Costco run, a neighbor knitting scarves to match. Every single act of giving became a ripple that reached farther than we could imagine.

And now, as we head into another chilly Pacific Northwest winter, our mission continues—bigger, better, and even more connected than before. Because this drive isn’t just about coats—it’s about community. It’s about wrapping our neighbors in warmth, pride, and the reminder that we take care of each other here.

Again, we are teaming up with Kalama Helping Hand, whose volunteers work tirelessly year-round to make sure no one falls through the cracks. They’re the unsung heroes—sorting donations, greeting families with a smile, and ensuring that every single coat finds its perfect new home. Together, we want to fill that room wall-to-wall with warmth and dignity—no tattered jackets, no empty hangers—just hope.

So here’s the goal: more coats, more connection, more pride.
Because when you give where you live, the impact is felt in every corner of our community.

If you’d like to donate, you can leave coats on your porch, reach out directly, or stop by during pickup days. Every coat matters—every single one. 🧥❤️

The Heart Behind Kalama Helping Hand

If you’ve lived in Kalama for even a short time, chances are you’ve heard the name Kalama Helping Hand whispered with admiration and respect. It’s one of those small-but-mighty organizations that doesn’t seek the spotlight—but somehow manages to light up the entire community.

Quietly, faithfully, and led by the powerhouse that is Stacy Bridges (who also happens to be the admin of Kalama Living Local), Helping Hand has become a cornerstone for countless families across the area. For years, Stacy and her team of devoted volunteers have shown up—not for recognition, but because they truly care. They’re the ones who make sure the shelves stay stocked, the lights stay on, and that no family ever feels forgotten.

When you walk through their doors, you can feel it—the warmth, the dignity, the sense that you belong here. There’s no judgment, no bureaucracy, no hoops to jump through. Just neighbors helping neighbors in the purest form. From bags of groceries and boxes of diapers to warm coats and kind words, Kalama Helping Hand provides far more than supplies—they provide hope.

They’re the bridge between compassion and action, the heartbeat of this little river town. And because of that, partnering with them during our Kalama Coat Drive means that every single donation we collect goes directly to someone right here in our own backyard. No middleman. No red tape. Just real people, making a real difference.

Every coat, every bag of food, every single act of giving becomes a thread in the fabric of this community—a reminder that in Kalama, we take care of our own.

What a YEAR 

The coat drive just wrapped up 🧥 — and it ended with more heart than we could have imagined.

Every meaningful movement starts with a spark—and for us, that spark always begins at home.

To officially launch this year’s Kalama Coat Drive, the HOME Real Estate team led by example:
20 coats, 20 pairs of new gloves, and 20 pairs of new socks — all hand-selected with warmth, comfort, and dignity in mind. But the generosity didn’t stop there. Even after the drive had ended, we received a huge unexpected donation from our friends in Ridgefield. Their kindness added an incredible boost to what was already our biggest year yet, plus all the extra warm winter wear (snow bibs/winter wear).

This is what community looks like. This is the impact we get to make—together.

This isn’t just about setting the tone—it’s about setting the standard. When you give where you live, it reminds every neighbor that they have the power to create change right where they are. Our mission has always been about community—building it, investing in it, and showing up for it—not only through real estate, but through real connection.

Partnering with Kalama Helping Hand makes this even more meaningful. Their volunteers are the quiet heroes behind the scenes, working tirelessly to ensure that every single donation goes directly into the hands of someone who needs it most. No big bureaucracy. No delay. Just heart-driven action, the way small towns do it best.

When we walked into Helping Hand this season and saw the shelves ready to be filled again, it reminded us why we started. Every coat has a story. Every glove holds warmth that someone will remember on a cold morning. Every pair of socks might be the difference between comfort and struggle.

This first drop is our promise—a visible commitment to lead with generosity, compassion, and gratitude. But it’s just the beginning. We hope it inspires others—neighbors, friends, and local businesses—to join in. Because together, we can fill that coat room from floor to ceiling.

This isn’t just another donation; it’s a declaration.
That Kalama cares.
That small towns still show up big.
And that when you give from the heart, it multiplies far beyond what you give.

Real Estate & Real Community—Let’s set the record straight.

To every single person who donates, volunteers, or shares this drive—thank you. To Stacy Bridges and the entire team at Kalama Helping Hand, thank you for being the backbone of this mission. And to my Kalama Living Local community—you’ve shown me time and again that when we come together, we create change.

Together, we’re proving that Kalama isn’t just a dot on the map. It’s a community that looks out for one another. A town where generosity is expected, not exceptional. And a place where even the smallest act—a coat, a pair of gloves—can make someone’s entire winter feel different.

Gena Graham | HOME REAL ESTATE
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Expert
Community • Lifestyle • Redefining Real Estate 

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Kalama, Longview, Ridgefield, or anywhere in Southwest Washington, I’d love to help. I’m Gena Graham, your Realtor and neighbor, and I believe that the same heart we put into giving back should go into every real estate transaction.

📲 Call or text me anytime at 360.431.5773  or book an appointment below— let’s find your next home, or sell your current one, while continuing to build this incredible community together.

Click here to book a discovery call 🏡

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Gena Graham is a leading real estate expert in Southwest Washington, specializing in luxury homes and waterfront properties throughout Kalama, Camas, and Ridgefield. With over 10 years of experience and countless happy clients, she's your guide to finding the perfect home in SW Washington's dynamic market.

Legal Disclaimer;Every home is unique. The marketing plan, pricing strategy, and listing timeline referenced above are examples of one personalized launch designed for a specific property. Marketing results and buyer response will vary depending on property condition, market conditions, location, and pricing. No two listings are marketed the same. All marketing plans are custom-built based on your home’s features, goals, and ideal buyer. For a tailored strategy built specifically for your property, contact me directly to schedule a consultation.

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