Border Country Realty Launched 30th Annual Winter Drive
The local brokerage has opened its office for coat donations to support winter clothing needs in Grand Forks.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Discover Border Country Realty has initiated its 30th annual Coats for Kids drive to provide warm winter clothing for residents in need. The company is currently accepting donations at its office ahead of a two-day public distribution event.
Why it matters
The program addresses seasonal community clothing needs by facilitating a centralized collection and distribution point. It underscores how long-standing local philanthropic efforts often leverage a business's physical footprint to manage resource logistics.
The program has maintained operations for 30 years and is currently under the management of Flec Demmons, who has led the initiative for 9 years. Donations are collected at 347 Market Ave. before being moved to the 7525 4th St. distribution site.
The players
Discover Border Country Realty
A real estate brokerage firm that serves as the logistical hub and organizer for the annual clothing drive.
Flec Demmons
The operator who has managed the coat drive initiative for the past 9 years.
Knights of Columbus
A fraternal service organization that contributes brand new coats to the drive annually.
The details
Discover Border Country Realty functions as the primary collection hub, where donors drop off clothing items at 347 Market Ave. through October 22. The firm then coordinates the distribution of these goods, supplemented by new coats donated annually by the Knights of Columbus, at a separate facility located at 7525 4th St.
Timeline
Donations are accepted through October 22, 2026.
The clothing giveaway begins on October 23, 2026.
The clothing giveaway ends on October 24, 2026.
Market Landscape
This effort follows the established pattern of the 30-year operational history of the Coats for Kids drive in Grand Forks. It illustrates a common model where local businesses integrate philanthropic logistics into their standard operations to address recurring community needs.
Business owners should note the operational requirements of managing a multi-day distribution event, specifically the separation of collection and giveaway locations. Operators looking to align with similar community efforts should prepare to manage staff time and site access during the October 23 and 24 distribution window.
The takeaway
The drive demonstrates the capacity for businesses to anchor community resources through long-term program consistency. Operators interested in similar initiatives should coordinate with established partners like the Knights of Columbus to ensure a steady supply of new goods alongside public donations.
Further reading
For more examples of how businesses engage with local non-profits, visit Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Forks Gazette.
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