“BUILD WITH BLUE COATS!” For those who haven’t heard of Youngstown Blue Coats (YBC) and/or would like more information on this beautiful organization, here is a bit of history. YBC is a 501c(3) nonprofit founded in 2017. It began in the Founder’s basement. Patty Summers, Founder and currently President and CEO of YBC, has a vision. This vision is simple and straightforward; in just a few words, Patty’s vision is described by YBC’s mission statement: “In America, nobody should freeze to death.” YBC distributes warming items, including coats, boots, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, sleeping bags, ground mats, tents and more, to homeless veterans and other homeless during winter months in order to prevent freezing and other adverse health impacts and to keep them warm and well. Patty had participated in a coat drive for another organization that served area homeless, and was immediately touched by the huge need for such services to assist the homeless stay healthy and warm. From that first coat drive, she became committed to this cause; so, committed, in fact, that when the need for another nonprofit to serve homeless in this area (Northern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania), Patty accepted that challenge, and YBC was born. Patty and her ‘recruits,’ all volunteers, collected donations of coats, boots and other warming items and operated out of her basement, distributing items to those homeless who needed them. She reached out to other organizations that serve the homeless, including homeless veterans, to partner and collaborate. YBC was already growing and serving increasing numbers of homeless veterans and other homeless. From Patty’s basement, YBC next moved to storage units, and soon outgrew those! And from storage units, YBC next moved to its own current location on Youngstown-Hubbard Road in Hubbard township. And, now, in just a few short years, YBC has outgrown that facility (2400 square feet) as well. And, so the story continues, with YBC seeking to find/build/acquire a facility with at least 6400 square feet and a bay to store the bus from which YBC distributes its warming items to the homeless. We actively fundraise and we will raise the funds needed for this new facility. And we will continue to fundraise to purchase the warming items we need throughout this campaign. We will, and you can, help “BUILD WITH BLUE COATS”!