With grants from the Wachovia Wells Fargo and Duke Energy Foundations, Hats Off 2 U, Inc. is launching our Second Annual Operation Spread the Warmth (OSTW). OSTW is an initiative to provide basic, essential winter care items and personal hygiene products to homeless and shelter residents. In the winter of 1981, three homeless men died from exposure in Charlotte. In response to this tragedy, the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte was established. At Hats Off 2 U, Inc., we believe that none of our neighbors should be without warmth and comfort this upcoming winter season.

Our goal for this year is to serve 1,200 through Operation Spread the Warmth. Please help us to help these children, women, and men who are homeless and/or shelter residents. You can help us to reach our goal by selecting an item(s) from the wish list. The ultimate goal is to collect goods to be distributed to our neighbors in need, so that the tragedy of 1981 will never be repeated. Our target date for receiving donations is 10/28/11. On 11/18/11, volunteers will come together to create 1,200 individual care packages to be distributed to our neighbors who are homeless and/or residing in shelters.

The temperature may be 90+ outside, but trust me, winter is coming again! We are organizing early to insure that this year’s project will be just as successful as last year’s.

Thank you, and ‘hats off to you’ for your willingness to help someone in need!

For more information you can also visit our website at www.hatsoff2u.org and "Like" us on Facebook!