The Uplifting Group: Winter Care Packages and Community Support in the Tri-Cities
As wet and cold weather settles into the Tri-Cities, The Uplifting Group is preparing care packages and gathering supplies for people experiencing homelessness. From warm socks and jackets to everyday essentials, community donations help the organization support people facing difficult circumstances and equip other outreach groups with the resources they need.
Based in Coquitlam, The Uplifting Group connects donations with practical needs throughout the Tri-Cities and other Lower Mainland communities. Hand warmers and foot warmers are its greatest current need, alongside jackets, coats, and socks for the colder months.
How The Uplifting Group supports homelessness outreach
The Uplifting Group collects donated supplies, organizes them, and prepares care packages to support people experiencing homelessness. Its work also includes providing supplies to other outreach organizations, helping community contributions reach people through teams working directly with them.
Founder Macarthy Whyzel coordinates donations and care-package preparation. When additional supplies are available, the group shares them with other outreach teams that need more resources.
This cooperation allows donations to support several organizations. Supplies can become part of a care package, replenish another group’s stock, or help meet a seasonal need.
Winter care packages for wet and cold weather
Rain and falling temperatures create additional challenges for people spending long periods outdoors. Clothing and belongings can become wet, and opportunities to dry them or replace them may be limited.
The Uplifting Group adapts its care packages to the changing weather, with winter preparations focused on warmth and everyday necessities.
The organization’s current donation priorities are:
Hand warmers and foot warmers: the most-needed items right now.
Jackets and coats: warm layers for colder conditions.
Socks: fresh pairs to replace those that become wet or worn.
Care packages also bring together supplies such as drinks and hygiene products, with contents depending on available donations and the needs being addressed.
Helping while people face barriers to housing
People experiencing homelessness face different circumstances, and finding a stable place to live can involve several obstacles.
Whyzel explains that some people are waiting for shelter or housing. Financial barriers can also remain even when housing is partially subsidized, as the amount someone must still pay may be beyond their means. These are among the many factors that can make securing housing difficult.
Care packages do not resolve those larger challenges, but they help address immediate needs while people wait for support or work toward more stable circumstances. Access to warm clothing, socks, and everyday supplies remains important throughout that process.
A donation of 50,000 pairs of socks
In 2026, The Uplifting Group received 50,000 pairs of socks generously donated by Sock Rocket. The contribution supported both its own supplies and those of other organizations across the Lower Mainland.
In an October 23 Instagram update, the group explained that it kept a few thousand pairs and was sharing the rest with local shelters and outreach organizations. Recipients named in the update included:
3030 Gordon
Helping Hands of Mission
SUMS Place
YWCA Crabtree Corner
After Hours Outreach
The donation arrived as organizations were preparing for wet and cold weather, when access to fresh, dry socks becomes especially valuable.
Sharing supplies with other outreach groups
The sock donation is one example of how The Uplifting Group helps resources reach beyond a single organization.
When another outreach team needs supplies, and the group has extra available, sharing those donations helps meet the shortage. This coordination supports the people preparing packages as well as the teams distributing essentials in the community.
Behind each contribution is practical work: sorting donations, organizing storage, preparing packages, and getting supplies ready for other groups to use.
How to donate to The Uplifting Group
Residents and businesses in Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Port Moody and neighbouring communities can help by contributing items for winter care packages.
Donate through the Amazon wish list
The Uplifting Group’s Amazon wish list provides a way to browse requested supplies and choose a contribution.
Hand warmers and foot warmers are the highest current priority. Checking the wish list before purchasing can help match a donation with the organization’s needs.
Drop off donations in Coquitlam
Donations can also be dropped off in person at:
2986 Forestridge Place, Coquitlam.
Hand warmers, foot warmers, jackets, coats, and socks are currently needed. For questions about clothing condition, larger donations, or drop-off arrangements, contact the organization through its Instagram page.
Questions about The Uplifting Group
What does The Uplifting Group do?
The Uplifting Group supports people experiencing homelessness by preparing care packages, collecting essential supplies, and sharing resources with other outreach organizations and shelters.
Where does The Uplifting Group operate?
The organization is based in Coquitlam and supports outreach work in the Tri-Cities and other Lower Mainland communities.
What donations does The Uplifting Group need most?
Hand warmers and foot warmers are its greatest current need for winter care packages. Jackets, coats, and socks are also needed as the weather becomes wetter and colder.
Where can donations be dropped off in person?
Donations can be dropped off at 2986 Forestridge Place, Coquitlam. Contact The Uplifting Group through Instagram if you have questions about your donation or need to confirm arrangements.
Can people donate online?
Yes. The group’s Amazon wish list allows supporters to view requested items and contribute supplies.
Does The Uplifting Group help other outreach organizations?
Yes. The group shares available donations with other outreach organizations and shelters. Its 2026 donation of 50,000 pairs of socks from Sock Rocket is one example: it retained a portion and shared supplies with organizations across the Lower Mainland.
Follow The Uplifting Group
Community support helps keep care packages stocked and supplies moving to people who need them. Donating requested items or sharing the organization’s updates can help support this work through the colder months.
To see more of the organization’s work, follow current donation requests and learn how to help. Visit The Uplifting Group on Instagram.
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