Cooler weather means families need jackets and coats — but in Beaufort County, too many needy families go without. That’s where FWDG’s 22nd Annual Coat Drive helps thousands each year.
“We live in a beautiful place, but sometimes we forget that even in all this beauty there are families in great need,” said Larry Mark, president of Furniture Warehouse Design Gallery, also known as FWDG. “We can help keep children and parents warm by donating jackets, coats and sweaters.
This year, FWDG is kicking off the annual Coat Drive with a special Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Business-After-Hours event Thursday, Nov. 8. Refreshments are being prepared by Summit Place of Beaufort’s Chef Kent.
While admission is free, participants will receive one coupon for each coat, jacket or sweater they donate to the Coat Drive that night. One winning coupon will be drawn for a $250 FWDG gift certificate, Mark said.
Over the past two decades, FWDG founders Larry and Robyn Mark have shared more than 39,000 gently-used coats with Beaufort County families.  FWDG has once again chosen HELP of Beaufort, Bluffton Self Help and the Deep Well Project on Hilton Head to distribute the donations to families in need — ensuring your donations help local Beaufort County residents.
Jackets, coats and sweaters can be dropped off at collection sites through Dec. 31 at the following locations:
• FWDG, 745 Robert Smalls Parkway, (S.C. 170), Beaufort
• Beaufort County BB&amp;T offices:
o   Beaufort, 905 Port Republic St.
o   Bluffton, 2 Burnt Church Road
o   Hilton Head, 1008 William Hilton Pkway Unit A
o   Lady’s Island, 1 Kemmerlin Lane
• Carolina Stamper, 203A Carteret Street, downtown Beaufort
For information, please call Larry Mark at 524-8695.