CULLMAN, Ala. – Mary Carter Store is inviting the community to take part in its Winter Warmth Drive during Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The effort is part of the store’s partnership with the United Way of Cullman County, with all donations benefiting local families in need of cold-weather essentials.
Customers who bring in two like-new winter items, such as coats, jackets, sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats or blankets, will receive $5 off their purchase as a thank-you for participating. All donated items will stay within Cullman County to support residents facing the challenges of colder temperatures.
Store Manager Jeff Young shared the inspiration behind the Winter Warmth Drive and why the effort holds meaning for his team.
“We know how quickly needs arise when the weather turns cold, and we wanted to do something that truly matters,” shared Young. “For us, this drive isn’t just a project, it’s a way to honor the community that has supported the Mary Carter Store for generations and give back in a meaningful, practical way.”
Young added that the partnership with United Way was a natural extension of the store’s long-standing commitment to serving Cullman.
“We felt this partnership was a natural fit. The United Way has served the Cullman community proudly for years, and we’ve seen the impact they make for local families,” Young said. “The Mary Carter Store has always been about taking care of our neighbors since it was started by my father, Raymond Young, in 1964. The United Way of Cullman County has proven time and time again that they share the same heart and commitment.”
The response so far has exceeded expectations, according to Business Development Lead Melissa Jones.
“The response has been truly overwhelming,” she said. “In the store, customers have been rounding up their change at the register, and we’ve already filled two boxes of warm items. But our county is large, and we know many families still need help; two boxes aren’t enough.”
Jones shared that momentum for the drive continues to grow as local businesses joined in, “The fund was started with our initial contribution at the Mary Carter Store, and it grew quickly once local businesses began matching our Chamber’s Window Art prize that we also donated,” she explained. “Our neighbors, Hawksnest, matched immediately. Southern Accents followed with their donation of their Window Display prize, and that momentum set the tone for the whole drive.”
Mary Carter Store is now working to establish additional drop-box locations throughout the county to make donating easier. Additionally, monetary donations can also be made in-store or through a QR code displayed at the register.
“By rolling this into Small Business Saturday, a day that already brings our community together, we’re able to invite even more neighbors to be part of something meaningful,” she added.
For the families who will receive the donations, Young hopes the items carry more than just physical warmth.
“We hope they feel the heart behind every donation,” he said. “We want them to know they’re not alone, and that their community is standing with them, not just in words, but in action. If this drive brings even a little warmth or peace of mind, then we’ve done what we set out to do. And more than anything, we hope they feel proud of this community. Cullman cares deeply, and this effort is just one more reflection of that.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Mary Carter Store during Small Business Saturday or anytime throughout the season. All monetary funds raised during the Winter Warmth Drive will support utility assistance, propane and electric heaters to support those in need. To stay up-to-date on all drop-off locations, follow the United Way of Cullman County on their official Facebook page.
For more information on Saturday’s event, contact the Mary Carter Store at 256-734-7908 or fb@marycarter.com. Mary Carter Store is located at 104 Fourth St. SE, Cullman.
