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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Greenfield Savings Bank Initiates Sleeping Bag Collection Effort
As temperatures drop, Greenfield Savings Bank is taking action to assist people facing homelessness this winter. The bank is partnering with Warming Homeless Hearts, a grassroots nonprofit, to collect sleeping bags for individuals in need.
Details of the Sleeping Bag Drive
The bank’s Greenfield branch, located at 400 Main St., is serving as an official collection site for sleeping bag donations through October 31. The initiative aims to gather a total of 150 sleeping bags to help protect vulnerable community members from harsh winter conditions. Greenfield Savings Bank has also contributed $1,500 to support this effort.
Warming Homeless Hearts’ Ongoing Mission
Warming Homeless Hearts has been coordinating sleeping bag drives for three years, collecting and distributing essential winter supplies to people experiencing homelessness. According to Heather Carmichael, the nonprofit’s founder, the need is critical as cold weather arrives. "The frost is on the cars now, and that means sleeping bags are needed," Carmichael explained. She noted that the previous winter saw 60 to 70 nights below 32 degrees and 11 nights below zero—a severe threat for those without reliable shelter.
Impact and Community Support
The organization’s efforts have grown over time: more than 60 sleeping bags were distributed in 2024, and over 120 in 2025 and early 2026. With the support of Greenfield Savings Bank and other local organizations now acting as donation sites, Carmichael believes awareness and participation are increasing. "People see the need and are more apt to come back to the bank with a sleeping bag," she said.
Partnerships and Distribution of Sleeping Bags
Warming Homeless Hearts relies on volunteers like Larry Thomas to distribute homeless sleeping bags to a variety of regional organizations. These include the Salvation Army, Wildflower Alliance, the Justice Center, police departments, and the Opioid Task Force. The nonprofit supplies not just warmth but also dignity and hope to those struggling through the region’s coldest months.
How to Participate in the Sleeping Bag Drive
Community members wishing to support the sleeping bag collection can drop off new or gently used sleeping bags at Greenfield Savings Bank’s main branch through the end of October. More details about the bank and its initiatives can be found on their website.
The Need for Winter Sleeping Bags
Carmichael emphasized the urgency: "A person can’t survive without warmth below 32 degrees. These sleeping bags are greatly needed in our community." Donations of sleeping bags for the homeless play a life-saving role as the region prepares for another challenging winter.
Source: wwlp.com.
