Nominated by Toni Narciso
Matt has continually supported his community by way of volunteering for many organizations. He was involved with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Montgomery County for over 9 years, he organized many fundraisers over the past 10 years for the BBBS and more recently, the Feel The Warmth organization which he himself founded 3 years ago. He is a member of the Montgomery County Youth Aid Panel and the Vice Chairman of the Police Citizens Board for Upper Merion Township. You can check out the website for his non-profit at www.feelthewarmth.org. The organization collected over 700 coats in it's first year and last year, in only its 3rd year, had collected over 3,500 coats for the less fortunate in our area. His passion for volunteering has remained intact over the years. His compassion for his fellow citizens is something that exists naturally in his heart.
Feel the Warmth
THE REALITY
I am acquainted with a gentleman who is forever challenged by meeting monthly expenses. He is a family man, hard worker and a prominent part of his church. A few years back, during a frigid afternoon, I ran into him at a local convenient store. He was only wearing a sweater on this 20 degree day. I jokingly said that you must be one tough guy in order to withstand this cold with only a sweater! Shaking his head from side to side, he replied “my teenage son lost his coat and had to wear mine today”. Families, like this gentleman’s, often survive on the minimum. Standard luxuries such as blankets, gloves and coats during the winter are mostly gained from charitable organizations or “shopping” day at the local thrift store.
Most of us, myself included, have the luxury of owning an extra coat when we misplace one. Many of us have multiple coats for different options when it comes to fashion. During the winter months, those less fortunate do not care about the color of the coat or sometimes even the size but yet only the comfort of the warmth.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
To make a difference, click on the DONATIONS button. Donations of new or “lightly” used coats can be contributed to the cause. One of our volunteers will personally pick up at your location and at your convenience.
In place of donating coats, monetary donations are appreciated. Monetary donations will go to the purchase of new coats. The organization is able to purchase these coats from certain suppliers at a discount.
MY APPRECIATION
Every non-profit needs a helping hand. I understand that we can only donate so much. If you have given to a charity this year, I commend you. If you are able to support this cause, I sincerely appreciate, in advance, every coat, dollar or minute volunteered.
Thank You,
Matt Frangiosa
Founder, Feel The Warmth
Donations of new or “lightly” used coats can be contributed to the cause. One of our volunteers will personally pick up at your location and at your convenience. Please send an email to pickup@feelthewarmth.org to schedule a pickup. Provide your name and city. We will respond back for further details. You will be provided with a receipt at the time of the pickup.
For monetary donations please click the Donate button below. You can donate via Credit Card or your Paypal account. A receipt can be printed out at the end of the transaction. All monetary donations are anonymous to the public. Your name and donated amount will only be accessible to the organization.
**Please note: When paying with a Credit Card, the Home Phone Number field needs to be populated. Please enter in a bogus phone number in order to continue to the next page. The Email address field is used to confirm your donation via an email.
2010-2011 Season:
Last season, over 3,500 coats were donated from over 80 coat drives. Below is a summary of where the coats were disbursed last season:. This page will be updated once coat disbursements for the 2010-2011 season begin.
- Individuals - 845 Coats - These are the most fulfilling deliveries. By word of mouth, we have found scores of families that have either fallen on hard times or have always found it difficult to get ahead.
- Pilgrim Wesleyan Church - 100 Coats - This church supplies the needy with clothes and food in North Philadelphia
- Gotwalls Elementary School - 75 Coats - Donated to those students in need.
Central Presbyterian - 60 Coats - This church supplies food and clothing to the homeless in Montgomery County. - Project H.O.M.E. - 250 Coats
- The Nehemiah Davis Foundation - 400 Coats - Located at 17th and Parkway in Philadelphia, this foundation feeds and clothes the homeless in Center City.
- Salvation Army of Pottstown - 200 Coats
- Crossroads of Norristown - 150 Coats
- Good Samaritan Shelter - 50 Coats - Shelter providing food and clothing to the homeless in the Pottstown area.
- Pottstown Elementary School - 120 Coats
- HIS Mission - 20 Coats - Shelter is a 30 bed operation open to families, men and women who are homeless.
- Haws Avenue United Methodist Church - 60 Coats - This church supplies food and clothing to the homeless in Montgomery County.
- Reading Salvation Army - 80 Coats
- Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center - 100 Coats
- Pottstown Women's Auxillary - 80 Coats
- Reading Women's and Children's Center - 120 Coats
- Hope Rescue Mission - 75 Coats
- Cluster Outreach in Pottstown - 75 Coats
