FWDG announced that its 30th annual winter coat drive closed on December 31st, 2020, with a collection amount of 997; this brings the running total of collected warm winter garments in 30 years to more than 45,700. The event collects winter coats for children and adults throughout Beaufort County, SC. The coats, sweaters, blankets, hats, and other warm apparel items will be distributed to neighbors in need through two local partner non-profit organizations: Help of Beaufort and The Deep Well Project of Hilton Head Island. 

FWDG organizes all aspects of this event: promotion, collection, temporary storage, and transportation of the new coats. FWDG staff across the company rally to raise awareness of the project. 

“This year was beyond surprising in the number of really nice coats we received,” said Larry Mark, Founder and President of FWDG. “You would think with all going on in people’s lives, that donations might have suffered. In fact, we received more this year than in the past several years.” 

Larry mark continued: “We could never have guessed 30 years ago when my wife, Robyn, suggested the coat drive that one small idea could make such a difference. We are so grateful to the wonderful people of Beaufort County for the outpouring of love…and coats!” 

About Help of Beaufort: Help of Beaufort provides mobile meals, clothing, and financial assistance. The organization is located at 1810 Ribault Road, Beaufort, SC 29935. www.HelpofBeaufort.org. 843-524-1223 

About The Deep Well Project in Hilton Head: Deep Well is a volunteer organization that provides basic assistance in emergency situations. Deep Well receives no government-funding and over 90% of each donation goes directly to program services. The organization is located at 80 Capital Drive, Hilton Head, SC 29926. www.DeepWellProject.org. 843-785-2849 

About FWDG: Founded in 1972 by Larry Mark and his father Ernest, FWDG sells fine quality furniture, area rugs and mattresses throughout Beaufort County and beyond. The company remains family-owned and operated. www.FWDGonline.com. FWDG is located at: 745 Robert Smalls Pkwy., Beaufort, SC 29906 843-524-8695