Wall of Warmth adds more locations

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - As the weather gets colder, the Wall of Warmth initiative is once again gearing up to make a difference to those in need by collecting and giving away thousands of coats throughout East Idaho.

Started by local realtor Valorie Blanchard in 2017, the Wall of Warmth has evolved into a large collaborative community effort, spreading its warmth to nine East Idaho communities including, Preston, Pocatello, Blackfoot, Shelley, Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, St. Anthony and Driggs.

In 2023, the project is expanding its reach by adding four new Wall of Warmth locations, making it easier for community members to access the coats they need. The expansion is possible thanks to the support of East Idaho community members rallying behind a shared goal: to collect and give away over 8,000 coats this year.

Community members are invited to contribute clean, gently used coats or other outdoor gear such as snow pants, hats, gloves, and scarves between Oct. 10 and Nov. 22, utilizing one of 62 designated drop-off boxes scattered throughout East Idaho. These donations are the perfect opportunity to clear out a closet while making a meaningful impact in your community.

From Nov. 14 to Nov. 25, the Walls of Warmth will be in action, offering free coats to anyone who needs them. Employees from Brad Hall Companies will organize and display the donated coats on the Wall of Warmth fences in each participating community. Local volunteers from JustServe will play a pivotal role in maintaining these Wall of Warmth locations, ensuring that anyone who needs a coat will have access to one.

"We have witnessed some very touching moments at the Walls of Warmth over the last seven years. People come to get coats for others. One man came looking for his mother. Another man came with a list for his friends that are disabled and do not have transportation. We received a story about a lady whose husband was incarcerated, leaving her and her two boys homeless. She said the free coats allowed them to survive the winter. One woman went to a secondhand store, bought every coat they had, and donated them to the Wall of Warmth," Valorie Blanchard said. "We cannot thank the community enough for their involvement."

Drop Off Locations:

• POCATELLO: Just 4 Kids Urgent Care, Lowes, Streamline Chiropractic, Good 2 Go Convenience Store, University Bible Church, Grace Lutheran School, Portneuf District Library, Indian Hills Elementary School, Alberton’s, and C-A-L Ranch Store, HUX Custom Gun Shop, Teton Honda, Alliance Title & Escrow
• BLACKFOOT: Bingham Healthcare ER, Tadd Jenkins Dodge, C-A-L Ranch Stores, Good 2 Go, Bingham Ag Main Store, Bingham Ag C-Store, Bingham Ag Farm Store, Alliance Title & Escrow
• SHELLEY: Good 2 Go Convenience Store, Broulim’s
• IDAHO FALLS: Action Motor Sports, C-A-L Ranch Stores, Broulim’s, Good 2 Go Convenience Stores, Just 4 Kids Urgent Care, Brad Hall Companies, Albertson’s West Side, Austin Kade Academy, Alliance Title & Escrow
• UCON: Good 2 Go Convenience Store
• RIGBY: Tadd Jenkins Chevrolet, Good 2 Go Convenience Stores, Broulim’s, Speedy CPS, Scotty’s True Value, Alliance Title & Escrow, Local Churches
• REXBURG: Just 4 Kids Urgent Care, Idaho's Real Estate, City of Rexburg, C-A-L Ranch Store, Good 2 Go Convenience Store, Broulims, and Valley Wide Country Store, Alliance Title & Escrow
• ST. ANTHONY: Broulim’s, South Freemont High School, St. Anthony Stake Center, RJ’s Exxon
• DRIGGS: Broulim’s, Tetonia City Building, City of Victor City hall, Tetonia City Building, Alliance Title & Escrow

Wall of Warmth Locations:

• PRESTON: TBD
• POCATELLO: Lewis & Clark Elementary and Alameda Middles School fence (Alameda Road)
• POCATELLO: 151 N 4th Ave (in the Streamline Chiropractic parking lot)
• BLACKFOOT: N. Meridian Street (directly across from C-A-L Ranch Store)
• SHELLEY: Dean Goodsell Elementary School Fence (185 W Center St off HWY 91)
• IDAHO FALLS: Lincoln Road (west of Action Motor Sports)
• IDAHO FALLS: Civitan Park 900W. Elva/Riverside Dr (one block North of IF Temple)
• RIGBY: Rigby South Park (around rodeo grounds)
• REXBURG: 1218 Bond Ave (behind Just for Kids Urgent Care)
• ST ANTHONY: 247 E 4th N (St. Anthony Stake Center fence)
• DRIGGS: 445 North Main Street