Miss Upstate Teen South Carolina Katie Patterson is sponsoring the “Share the Warmth” coat drive. Pageant contestants hear the question on a regular basis: “What would you do to save the world?”

Before being able to make a global impact, one must make an impact in their community. Gaffney High School senior and reigning Miss Upstate Teen South Carolina Katie Patterson is doing her part to make her response to judges at pageants a reality, sponsoring the “Share the Warmth” coat drive.

The teen is asking for help from local residents in donating new or slightly used coats, hats or gloves of all sizes in hope of distributing the items to men, women and children at Harbor of Hope and the Cherokee Children’s Home early next month.

“(Katie) wanted to make sure everyone is warm as the colder months roll around,” said Patterson’s mother, Lisa. “It’s flu season in addition to other bugs floating around, she felt it was an important thing to do.”

A member of the local Sub Deb Club, Katie participated in similar efforts, such as Operation Bear Hug, in which club members collected stuffed animals with the purpose of giving the items to young children during crisis situations like fires and traffic accidents.

“The stuffed animals were given to the children by emergency personnel to comfort them during a time of need,” Lisa Patterson said.

While the youngest among us are taken care of, many of the elderly are left to fend for themselves, some of whom do not have the means to fend for themselves. For that reason, Katie made sure to include the older population on her wish list.

“They’re forgotten in the shuffle, and (Katie) wanted them to be warm as well,” Lisa Patterson said. “After all, the goal is to help as many people as possible.”

Items can be donated at Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church, Summer’s Formal Wear and Hair Masters, which is offering specials to those opening their closets to persons in need.

“Hair Masters is giving $5 off for those donating,” Lisa Patterson said. “It gives people a chance to feel good about how they look both inside and out.”

For more information, call Lisa Patterson at (864) 490-1488.