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, our little town proves just how big its heart really is. What started as a simple idea 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 proving that Kalama takes care of its own.

And this year, we’re going bigger, deeper, and more accessible than ever before.

The Spark That Lit the Movement

Four years ago, when I was volunteering at Kalama Helping Hand, I saw something I’ll never forget: a nearly empty coat closet, filled with items that were outdated, tattered, and not the kind of coat anyone would feel proud to wear. My heart sank. I thought, “If this is all someone has to choose from, we need to do better.”

The next year, we launched the very first Kalama Coat Drive. The response? Over 400 coats in year one. Last year, that number climbed to 500+ coats—all of them staying right here in Kalama, distributed through Helping Hand to families, kids, and individuals who needed them most.

This year, we want to go even bigger. More coats. More connection. More pride.

Why Kalama Helping Hand Matters

If you’ve lived in Kalama for even a short time, you’ve probably heard of Kalama Helping Hand. Quietly, faithfully, and led by the powerhouse that is Stacy Bridges (also admin of Kalama Living Local), Helping Hand supports families who might otherwise fall through the cracks. From food to clothing, they are a lifeline—and they do it with humility and heart.

Partnering with them means every single donation we gather goes directly into the hands of our neighbors. No middleman. No red tape. Just real impact.

What’s New This Year

🧥 Drop-Offs: Donations accepted Mondays (8 AM – 12 PM) and Tuesdays (8 AM – 1 PM) at Kalama Helping Hand, 191 Cloverdale Rd, Kalama, WA.

🚪 Front Porch Pick-Ups: For the first time, we’re making it even easier. On Sunday, Nov. 2nd, we’ll spend the entire day doing porch pickups around Kalama city limits. Busy work schedule? No problem. Just text or call me at 360.431.5773—we’ll take care of the rest.

✨ Kick-Off Donation from HOME Real Estate | Gena Graham: To start strong, my team is donating 20 new coats, 20 pairs of gloves, and 20 pairs of socks. Because generosity should always lead from the front.

Real Estate & Real Community

I’m Gena Graham, your Kalama Realtor — but most importantly, a neighbor who cares. Serving Kalama, Longview, Ridgefield, and all of Southwest Washington, I know firsthand that real estate is never just about houses. Homes aren’t just walls and roofs—they’re families, stories, and communities.

That’s why this drive matters so much. It’s not just about helping; it’s about building the kind of Kalama we all want to live in. When my sellers and buyers hear about the coat drive, they don’t just see me as their realtor. They see me as a neighbor who cares. And many of them—past and present clients—are some of our biggest supporters.

This is why I always say: real estate isn’t just business. It’s community.

A Heartfelt Thank You

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.

How You Can Join the Movement

✅ Drop off coats during the month of October at Helping Hand
✅ Schedule a porch pickup on Nov. 2 (text/call 360.431.5773)
✅ Share this blog to spread the message further

Let’s not just donate coats. Let’s donate warmth. Let’s donate dignity. Let’s donate hope.

Because this is Kalama—and we show up.  

Gena Graham | HOME REAL ESTATE
Southwest Washington’s Go-To Neighborhood 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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