Hat's off -- make that hats on! -- to the impressive generosity of the retail folks at Zumiez, Inc.

For a 3rd straight year, the Zumiez Foundation shipped us 44 boxes of
winter jackets, hoodys, beanies, gloves, and socks, and 10 bales of
blankets – 2,200 lbs. of warmth just when Chicagoans need it!

The Zumiez bounty arrived just before Thanksgiving, and the CCH
organizing staff has already distributed outerwear to more than 100
people.

Coats sized for children, teens and adults are being given away at the
30 shelters and programs where CCH regularly runs outreach, as well as
for distribution by some CCH member organizations. And again this year,
some coats and blankets will be handed out to homeless people who find
shelter on Lower Wacker Drive.

Here’s what some of the recipients have written in thank you cards we’ll be sending on to Zumiez and its staff:

"Thank you for your generosity and concern. I and my children are very
appreciative. God bless and have a wonderful Christmas." (Alba M.)

"A heartfelt thank you so much for keeping me warm this winter." (Jason S.)

“My grandsons and myself are nice and warm now in the Big Windy City. I
did not have a winter coat nor did my grandsons. They are growing like
beans.” (Helen S.)

“It is foundations like you that makes a difference in poor peoples’
lives and gives them hope and faith to believe that they can make it.
Thank you and God bless you.” (Dollie M. Williams, Executive Director,
The Primo Center for Women and Children)

Aside from its corporate generosity – this year’s donation is valued at
more than $5,800 – Zumiez, Inc. can boast of its strong retail presence
in the Chicago area. The Everett, Wash.-based retail chain sells action
sports-related gear and clothing, with 14 stores in suburban Chicago,
Aurora, Joliet, and Rockford.

Heartfelt thanks, Zumiez, from everyone here at CCH!