East Idaho, let’s spread the warmth. The Wall of Warmth is back for 2024, and this year the project is kicking off one week earlier to make sure no one is left out in the cold. As winter approaches, we’re calling on the entire community to help each other stay warm through the chilly months ahead.

What is the Wall of Warmth?

Valorie Blanchard, local realtor, started the Wall of Warmth in 2017. It began with one small wall and a big idea: to give back to the community. Now in its eighth year, that one wall has grown into an incredible 10 walls in eight communities, including Pocatello, Blackfoot, Shelley, Idaho Falls, Rigby, Rexburg, St. Anthony and Driggs. With the help of the Hall Foundation, JustServe and several local businesses, the goal is bigger than ever: to collect 9,000 plus coats for those in need.

Why does this matter?

Staying warm during Idaho’s harsh winter is a challenge for many. The Wall of Warmth is more than just a collection of coats; it’s a symbol of hope, kindness and the power of community coming together to help our neighbors.

How can you help?

From Oct. 1 to Nov. 13, the community is invited to donate clean, gently used coats and winter gear at any local Good 2 Go Store or one of 64 other drop-off boxes located throughout East Idaho. Whether it’s a coat, snow pants, hats, gloves or scarves, every item donated can help someone stay warm this winter. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference to those in need.

What if I need a coat?

Between Nov. 4 to Nov. 16, the Wall of Warmth will be set up on fences in a community near you. Individuals are encouraged to take what they need for themselves, family or friends.

If you need a coat, take one. If you have a coat, please donate.

The drop-off locations and Wall of Warmth locations and addresses can be found below or at https://wallofwarmth.com/ or https://wallofwarmth.org, hall-foundation.org, at 1568 E. 17 St. in Idaho Falls or by calling 208-313-0221

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, 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, Kesler’s Market.

— 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, Austin Kade Academy.

— 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, Valley Wide Country Store.

— St. Anthony: Broulims, South Freemone High School, St. Anthony Stake Center, RJ’s Exon.

— Driggs: Broulim’s, Tetonia City Building, Victor City Building, Alliance Title & Escrow

Wall of Warmth Locations:

— Pocatello: Lewis & Clark Elementary and Alameda Middles School fence (Alameda Road).

— Pocatello: 151 N. 4th Ave. (in the Streamline Chiropractic parking lot).

— Blackfoot: North Meridian Street (directly across from C-A-L Ranch Store).

— Shelley: Dean Goodsell Elementary School Fence (185 W. Center St. off Highway 91).

— Idaho Falls: Lincoln Road (west of Action Motor Sports)

— Idaho Falls: Civitan Park 900 West Elva/Riverside Drive (one block north of Idaho Falls Temple).

— Rigby: Rigby South Park (around rodeo grounds).

— Rexburg: 1218 Bond Ave. (behind Just for Kids Urgent Care).

— St. Anthony: 247 E. 4th N.

— Driggs: 445 North Main Street

For questions, contact Valorie Blanchard at 208-403-1859 or at https://www.facebook.com/valorieslist/.