Winter is here in the hills and hollers of Appalachia, where in West Virginia, winter lows are often below freezing and sometimes drop below 10 degrees, according to West Virginia University.
And this year, the Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2025/2026 winter prediction,s stating that “Winter in the Appalachians is expected to be colder than normal.”
In fact, in McDowell County, where our longtime partner, Big Creek People in Action, is located, the forecast for Sunday, Dec. 14, is calling for a low of 12 degrees!
Operation Warmth aims to keep people warm outside with heavy coats for children standing at a bus stops, heat assistance to ensure families can keep their homes warm on even the coldest days of winter without fearing losing power or heat, and by providing nutritious food boxes to keep bellies full, even during the toughest winter months.
Last year, Americans Helping Americans® shipped 4,000 coats to keep children and adults warm outside, and 2,000 blankets to ensure they stayed warm in bed at night.
But it takes more than just coats, as the importance of a warm home cannot be overstated.
While we emphasize the need to donate winter coats, it’s also crucial to remember the importance of keeping homes warm during winter. For many families in Appalachia, paying for rent and utilities can be a struggle, often leading to eviction and homelessness. No one should have to choose between paying rent and staying warm.
Americans Helping Americans works endlessly to ensure that thousands of lights stay on, respiratory assisting machines operate, and children stay warm during the cold winter months. We believe that everyone deserves not just a warm coat but a warm home, too.
And that goes along with our goal this winter to supply thousands of food boxes for families in need.
This year, our goal is to distribute 4,280 coats to our Appalachian partners in Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, along with 2,000 blankets to our partners in Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
“The wonderful coats Big Creek People in Action (BCPIA) receives are given out to the people of McDowell County, West Virginia, as well as stocked in our Family Assistance Pantry that is open to the community,” says BCPIA executive director Dyanne Spriggs, who requested 250 children and adult-size winter coats this year, along with 250 blankets.
“Because of our partnership with Americans Helping Americans®, kids and adults will have a coat and blanket throughout the winter.
“Families served through our coat and blanket donations are very appreciative of what they receive to help their families live a more comfortable life and get necessities they may not have otherwise.
“Many of their needs would be unmet if we didn’t partner with organizations such as Americans Helping Americans®, who are dedicated to helping those in need.”
Dyanne added that BCPIA would not have the funds available to purchase basic need items, including coats and blankets it receives from Americans Helping Americans® and distributes to families in need.
“These people would go without basic need items if we didn’t receive support from Americans Helping Americans®.
“We appreciate your generous support of our organization and the people that we serve.”
We can’t do this alone. Your generous support keeps our programs running and ensures that those living in Appalachia can weather the winter comfortably. The task is enormous, but together, we can ensure that no one has to face the harsh winter without appropriate clothing or a warm home. We urge you to donate and spread the word. Remember, your small act of kindness can bring warmth to a family this winter.
