EST. 2017 · EAST IDAHO

The Coat Chronicles

Eight years of wrapping East Idaho in warmth — one coat at a time. Here is how it all unfolded.
BY THE NUMBERS

Coats Collected Through the Years

2022
8,000
Coats Collected
2023
8,000
Coats Collected
2024
8,500
Record Year!
2025 GOAL
9,000+
Let's Do It!
OUR STORY

From One Realtor's Vision to 9,000 Coats a Year

Local realtor Valorie Blanchard wanted to do something to give back to the community, so she started the Wall of Warmth in 2017. She created the Wall of Warmth project focused on giving the less fortunate what they needed to stay warm during Idaho winters. With the help of her clients and the community, they gave away just short of 600 coats the first year and over 8,000 coats in 2023 to people in need.

Now in its eighth year, the Wall of Warmth has grown to involve more East Idaho communities, including Driggs, Rexburg, Rigby, Idaho Falls, Shelley, Blackfoot, and Pocatello. As the project continues to grow, Valorie has partnered with the Hall Foundation, JustServe, Streamline Chiropractic, and several other local businesses. The goal is to collect over 9,000 coats this year.

Keeping East Idaho Warm, Together

The Hall Foundation, initially established in 2015 with a focus on enabling international students to access higher education through scholarships, has evolved into a multifaceted organization. Beyond its global education efforts, the Hall Foundation now plays a pivotal role in coordinating and executing local projects that resonate with employees of Brad Hall Companies, all while emphasizing the ideals of lifting individuals and rising together. This evolution signifies a commitment to both international and local betterment, making the Hall Foundation a dynamic force working for positive change on multiple fronts in many locations across the western United States. Our motto is Lift Individually, Rise Together.

THE PROCESS

How It Works

1

Donate Coats

October 13th – November 18th at one of 55+ designated drop-off boxes throughout East Idaho.

2

We Organize

Brad Hall Company employees organize the coats and hang them on Wall of Warmth fences. Local JustServe volunteers maintain the Walls.

3

Take a Coat

November 10th – 21st, anyone in need is encouraged to take a coat for themselves, family, or friends. No questions asked.

Community members are welcome to hang up coats or donate outdoor gear — snow pants, hats, gloves, scarves — anything that keeps someone warm this winter.

HOW IT HAPPENED

A Warm History

2017 — THE BEGINNING

A Realtor With a Big Heart

Local realtor Valorie Blanchard wanted to give back to her community. She launched the Wall of Warmth with a simple idea: collect coats and give them to those who need them most.

GROWING YEARS

Spreading Across East Idaho

The drive quickly expanded to more communities across East Idaho including Driggs, Rexburg, Rigby, Idaho Falls, Shelley, Blackfoot, and Pocatello. More hands, more coats, more warmth.

PARTNERSHIPS

Stronger Together

Valorie partnered with the Hall Foundation, JustServe, Streamline Chiropractic, and several other local businesses to supercharge the impact.

2022 – 2023

Consistent Excellence

Back-to-back years of 8,000 coats collected, proving the community’s generosity was no fluke. The Wall of Warmth became a beloved East Idaho tradition.

2024 — RECORD YEAR

8,500 Coats and Counting

A new all-time record! 8,500 coats were collected in 2024, setting the stage for an even bigger goal in 2025: surpassing 9,000 coats.

TODAY — YEAR 8

The Mission Continues

Now in its eighth year, the Wall of Warmth continues to grow in reach, in partners, and in the thousands of warm coats wrapping Idaho families every winter.

For Questions, Contact:

Sunny Harker | Hall Foundation | 208-313-0221 | [email protected]

If You Need a Coat, Take One. If You Have a Coat, Please Donate!

Is your closet filled with coats you no longer use? The Wall of Warmth is a great place to donate them. Together, we keep East Idaho warm.

Find a Wall Near You

We serve 9 communities across East Idaho — select your location