Cold Weather, Warm Hearts

In cold weather, a good winter coat is a must. But it’s not something everyone has.

For almost 30 years, the Winter Closet Foundation, based in Ballard Spahr’s Minneapolis office, has worked with local organizations to supply new winter coats to children in need. With no overhead expenses, 98 percent of the funds the 501(c)(3) nonprofit raises from Ballard Spahr attorneys and staff members goes toward meeting community needs. In 2019, the annual Winter Coat Drive raised over $35,000 and distributed 1,250 coats to 15 Twin Cities organizations.

“For decades, the Winter Closet coat drive has helped us build camaraderie and demonstrate our commitment to our neighbors,” said Winter Closet Foundation president April Hamlin.

The Winter Closet is now expanding its outreach to the Denver, Philadelphia, and Sioux Falls offices.

“The Winter Closet Foundation is an important element of our Minneapolis’ office’s Lindquist & Vennum heritage,” said Winter Closet Foundation vice president Josh Natzel. “It’s great to see it now expanding throughout Ballard Spahr.”