Over the weekend, Blood Sweat and Gears volunteers sort clothes donated to the Winter Warmer Project. Photos by Ken Ketchie
This past winter, the third annual Winter Warmer Project raised more money than the first two combined, according to Blood Sweat and Gears Ride Director Scott Nelson.
The Blood Sweat and Gears board created the Winter Warmer Project more than two years ago after an outdoor publication in Southern Appalachia tried to hustle a thank-you ad for the riders in Blood Sweat and Gears, a Valle Crucis-based charity ride that celebrates its 19th year next June.
Instead of advertising, the Blood Sweat and Gears organization decided to sponsor a successful clothing drive for local students and community members in need – in addition to donating $5,000 to the Hunger and Health Coalition.