Hurricane Hustles variety shop in Wetaskiwin is holding its second annual winter clothing drive from Nov. 29 to Dec. 13.
The store is seeking donations of warm coats, socks, sweaters, outdoor clothing, blankets, sporting goods or household items. seeking donations of warm coats, socks, sweaters, outdoor clothing, blankets, sporting goods or household items.
"These items are vital not only for the homeless population but also for low-income families who may struggle to provide winter essentials for their children," said owner Katrina Kraft.
"Our goal is to start early to ensure that warm clothing reaches those in need before the full force of Alberta’s winter hits."
She's already been busy this winter with requests for free or discounted items.
"Every single day somebody comes in," said Kraft.
Hurricane Hustles opened last year and Kraft quickly saw the need in the community for warm winter clothing. In January 2024, she held her first winter clothing drive.
"I thought, 'man, I need to do something.'"
The word spread and she says the response was overwhelming. She even had a Wal-Mart from Sherwood Park donate their unclaimed lost and found items to the drive - a couple bags worth of coats, mittens and toques.
Kraft explained because the store is so small, there isn't any space to store items for those in need to give to them when they come in, but all items donated through the clothing drive are put out for sale with a special "Warm Hearts" tag.
Those in need are welcome to come in and will be given items, and the funds from items that are sold are set aside in a separate account to purchase needed items.
"We will take that money and get them what they need."
She searches for liquidation sales to purchase items such as gloves in bulk, and will purchase specific items from other thrift stores or on Facebook Marketplace, for example, if someone needs a coat in a size she doesn't have.
Hurricane Hustles is a thrift and gift variety shop of both new and used items. Unlike most thrift stores, almost all the items for sale in her store are purchased by Kraft for resale, rather than relying on donations.
Items she buys from storage lockers and estate sales make up the regular stock items in her store.
She will pay for full bags of clean and folded clothes, but the only time she asks for donations are for the winter clothing drive, to help fund her efforts to help people in the community.
And it's not just homeless people she helps.
"I don't need to know their situation - it's none of my business," said Kraft.
Some of the people she's given items to or given discounts to include seniors on fixed income and grandparents wanting to have winter items for their grandchildren at their house but they can't afford it. She recently gave a complete winter outfit to one lady who's motor home had burned down.
As a former teacher's aid, she also knows teachers often need extra gloves and toques for their classrooms for students who don't have any.
"That's what I want to do for people as well," she said.
She's been asked if she's worried about being taken advantage of because of her generosity, but she says so far people have been respectful and appreciative and she's had no repeat customers asking for free items a second time.
For her own peace of mind she keeps a record of people she's donated items to. Because of that record, she can show exactly how money from the sale of Warm Hearts items are supporting people in need in case anyone asks, she says.
Hurricane Hustles has other ways of giving back as well.
Kraft will take any items, even textiles that are too stained or worn to sell, as she has a partnership with Inclusion Alberta to recycle the items.
At the front till, she also has a donation jar for Jumpstart, a charity that helps kids get into sports.
When she has skates in stock, she's also willing to do an exchange for parents needing the next size up for their kids, free of charge.
She chose Nov. 29 as the first day of the winter clothing drive to coincide with the Wetaskiwin Firefighters’ Social Club Christmas Parade.
Hurricane Hustles will be open until 8 p.m. that day and people are welcome to come in with clean and folded donations before or after the parade. Those who donated will be offered a card for a 15 per cent discount off their next purchase.
Donations can be dropped off at Hurricane Hustles, located 4802 49 Ave., between 12 and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Kraft will also pick up items if requested.
"We appreciate any help we can get," said Kraft.
"Life can present unexpected challenges, and we strive to offer as much support as possible to those in need. Additionally, we hope that by offering this assistance, we can reduce theft and create a safer community where those in need feel empowered to ask for help."
