Alabama Outdoors 2019 Jacket Drive is here!

How the Alabama Outdoors Jacket Drive works

Beginning on November 10th and ending on November 23rd, come into any Alabama Outdoors location and find the Jacket Drive donation box near the front of the store. Place your gently used coat in the box, feel free to look around in the store, and when you are ready to leave, let an Alabama Outdoors team member know which jacket you provided and they will give you a 15% discount off a single full-price jacket or pullover.

It’s really that easy.

Partnering with charities throughout the state Alabama Outdoors will be holding the Jacket Drive at all its locations in Alabama. Each gently used coat will be given to local charities near Alabama Outdoor store locations.

They include:

Homewood – First Light

First Light’s mission is to work with homeless women and their children to create hospitality in a safe and nurturing community, to encourage them to maintain dignity, to find hope, to seek opportunity, and to grow spiritually, thereby achieving their full potential.

Florence, Alabama – Salvation Army of Florence

The Salvation Army assists approximately 25 million Americans annually. They have over 1.5 million members
consisting of officers, soldiers, and adherents. The Salvation Army helps with Anti-Human Trafficking,  Combatting Addiction, Disaster Relief, Holiday Assistance, Music & Arts, Serving Veterans, Social Services & Youth Programs.

Huntsville, Alabama – Salvation Army of Huntsville

The Salvation Army assists approximately 25 million Americans annually. They have over 1.5 million members
consisting of officers, soldiers, and adherents. The Salvation Army helps with Anti-Human Trafficking,  Combatting Addiction, Disaster Relief, Holiday Assistance, Music & Arts, Serving Veterans, Social Services & Youth Programs.

Trussville, Alabama – T.E.A.M. (Trussville Ecumenical Assistive Ministry)

TEAM is a non-profit ministry providing food and clothing to those in need. They are located on Chalkville Road in Trussville, Alabama.

Inverness, Alabama – Vapor Thrift Store

Resources generated at Vapor Thrift Stores help Vapor Ministries establish sustainable centers for alleviating poverty and multiplying disciples in third-world environments. Helping the poor and making disciples for Christ in a sustainable, multipliable way is at the heart of everything we do at our U.S.-based thrift stores. Vapor Thrift Stores partner with local churches and civic groups to alleviate poverty and make disciples of Christ in the communities we serve.

Mobile, Alabama –  Dwell Mobile

Dwell Mobile exists to provide opportunities for refugees to thrive by raising awareness, removing obstacles, and restoring relationships. We envision our city as a place where refugees find their home.

 

Support Alabama Outdoors Jacket Drive and be part of something special that will make this holiday season truly meaningful. See Exclusions*

Alabama Outdoors Jacket Drive Flyer

5 Reasons Hiking and Camping in Early Fall Is the Best

Hikers in tents on mountain at night

Soon, the heat of the summer will finally wind down (we promise). That means that we’re quickly approaching our favorite time of the year to hike and camp. Early fall from late September and early October presents us with optimal conditions for a weekend trip in the outdoors. Here are five reasons hiking and camping in early fall really is the actual best.

 

WeatherAlabama's DeSoto Falls in autumn

Summer hiking and camping is great, but it’s not always comfortable due to the heat — and it’s been a blisteringly hot summer. Early fall introduces cooler air, less humidity and more predictable rain conditions. This means that sleeping in a tent is less stuffy and a good, lightweight sleeping bag is all you need to stay warm.

 

 

Pack and supplies at mountaintop campgroundBugs

Another benefit to the cooler weather is fewer pesky bugs. While no camping trip ever will be insect-free, cooler air means fewer mosquitoes bugging you and fewer flies and gnats swarming your site looking for food. Still, be sure to pack a DEET based mosquito deterrent to protect from pesky bites.

 

 

HikingWoman wearing loaded pack on mountain hike

Early fall presents the perfect conditions for longer hikes. The cooler air will keep you from getting as drained by the heat as you might in the summer. This means that fall is the perfect time to try that long hike you’ve been wanting to go on. Always remember to take a buddy and plan hikes that make sense for you!

 

 

Red house on lake near DeSoto Falls, AL

Changing Landscape

While the cooler weather creates the most comfortable conditions for hiking and camping, it also creates the most beautiful. Trees reach their peak foliage colors in mid to late October. And, we promise, there is nothing quite like a great view of a forest when the leaves have changed. For a full tour of Alabama’s most beautiful foliage, check out the Fall Color Trail.

Get OutsideSocked feet of a couple relaxing in tent

Last but certainly not least, taking time to relax and explore and take a break from deadlines and technology may be exactly the medicine you need. Taking a break from work in the long holiday desert between Labor Day and Thanksgiving by getting outdoors is good for the soul.

Now that we have you convinced, pack your reliable hiking backpack and set out for a weekend of self-care and enjoyment as you enjoy everything early Falls has to offer.

 

Text by Amy Haupt