Coats, classics, and a cause in Sunland Park

A cold evening outside a Sunland Park dispensary brought back memories Adam Thomas knows firsthand, including his experience with homelessness in his early 20s. 

Thomas, who is organizing Coats & Classics for the Cold, hopes to turn that personal experience into an opportunity to help others. The winter clothing drive will culminate in a free classic car show Saturday, Nov. 14, at NRG LYFT Dispensary, bringing together local car enthusiasts, businesses and residents to collect coats and other winter essentials for people in need across the Borderland. 

"I had a customer who's really been going through some things, so I thought about him," Thomas said. "I knew he was outside that night." 

Thomas, originally from Dallas, said the idea took shape as he noticed the challenges facing some of the people who visit the business, including customers experiencing homelessness. He also learned about hardships facing families in nearby La Union following flooding in the area. 

What began as a plan to collect 150 coats soon grew into a goal of 300, along with a $10,000 fundraising target. Thomas confirmed that the donated clothing and funds are intended to be divided evenly between La Union Helping Hands and Southern New Mexico Project, two organizations selected to assist residents in the surrounding communities. 

Thomas said he wanted the donations to remain close to the neighborhoods that have supported the business, which opened in 2025. His wife, Nicole Royal, founded NRG LYFT, and the couple has developed relationships with residents and other small-business owners since establishing the dispensary. 

One of those connections helped shape the event. Sergio, a local classic car enthusiast who has worked with Thomas on previous gatherings, reached out to fellow car owners and clubs to help organize a show alongside the drive. The idea followed an earlier event at the dispensary featuring vintage cars, food and live piano music. Thomas saw an opportunity to recreate that atmosphere while encouraging visitors to contribute winter clothing. 

"I think what I've noticed the Borderland, is that we love cars around here," Thomas said. 

The Nov. 14 gathering is expected to feature classic vehicles, food vendors, raffle prizes, and live painting. Thomas said local businesses have contributed items and services, including Western Playland tickets and an oil change, to encourage participation. 

Donors can receive a raffle entry for every three coats or four hoodies they contribute. The show is free to attend, and organizers are accepting new and gently used coats and jackets for children and adults, along with winter essentials such as gloves and beanies. 

Among the contributions Thomas remembers most is a hoodie brought in by a couple experiencing homelessness. Knowing their circumstances, he offered them a heavier coat that another donor had provided. 

The exchange stood out because the couple had chosen to give despite facing challenges of their own. Thomas said other residents have been collecting coats independently, while car enthusiasts and businesses have offered their time and resources. Although NRG LYFT is a cannabis retailer, Thomas wants the drive to reflect the role he hopes the business can play in Sunland Park. 

"I also want to give something back because the community has helped us," he said. 

Residents can drop off clothing at the dispensary, and Thomas said he is willing to meet donors outside if they prefer not to enter the store. Monetary contributions are being directed through the event's online One Warm Coat fundraising page rather than accepted at the business. 

The two beneficiary organizations are central to Thomas' hopes for the event. He said he has spoken with people involved in La Union Helping Hands and wants the drive to introduce more residents to the work both groups do. 

Beyond reaching the collection and fundraising goals, Thomas hopes the event will encourage residents to continue supporting the organizations after the donated clothing has been distributed. The classic cars may bring people together for an afternoon, but he wants the connections made through the drive to last.