January 16, 2015 (Reston, Virginia) – With temperatures dropping to the low teens this winter, the Hunter Mill Coat Closet has too many empty hangers. The Winter Coat Closet, sponsored by Supervisor Cathy Hudgins and Cornerstones, distributed approximately 5,000 donated warm coats last winter season to children and families in need. Ranked as the third wealthiest county in the United States, it’s surprising to learn that there are 1,700 children, women and men that face homelessness in Fairfax.[1] Add that to the 64,600 living in poverty in Fairfax County,[2] and the number of coats donated doesn’t seem to be nearly enough.
Helios HR, a Reston-based human capital consulting firm is up for the challenge. Every winter the 30-person company engages the community with the Coat Drive challenge to make an impact. From hosting donation bin box wrapping parties to conducting numerous pick-ups and deliveries, the employees build teamwork and camaraderie. With the generosity of clients, partners, family and friends, Team Helios has contributed more than 1,600 coats to the drive during this winter season alone so far.
Several years ago, Helios sought to become a catalyst in the community to promote corporate social responsibility. In 2006, Helios established the coat drive as an annual tradition and has collected more than 12,000 coats for the Closet to date.
The winter weather is just getting started and many more new and gently used coats are needed. The Hunter Mill Coat Closet remains open until February 28th. During business hours you may drop off coats and other winter items at Cornerstones’ main office, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 210, Reston, VA 20190. After hours, there will be a drop box located at the entrance to the building. You may also drop off coats at the Winter Coat Closet at 11484 Washington Plaza West, Reston, VA 20190, in the first floor elevator lobby or at Room 320 during the Closet’s operating hours. For more information about the Coat Closet, please visit www.cornerstonesva.org/donations/drives/winter-coat-closet.
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About Helios HR
Helios provides custom human capital management solutions to attract, retain, develop and engage an organization’s “core” – its people. For more information about what Helios can do for you, visit us online at www.helioshr.com.
About Cornerstones
Cornerstones, formerly Reston Interfaith, is a nonprofit organization that promotes self-sufficiency by providing support and advocacy for those in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, and other human services. For more information: http://www.cornerstonesva.org/.
<em><a href="#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1">[1]</a> Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, 2013.</em>
<em><a href="#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2">[2]</a> U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 American Community Survey</em>
