Liberty Park was a hub of activity. Just outside of the Seven Gables office in Monrovia, the street was filled with bustling activity as cars pulled up one by one for the 2nd Annual Winter Coast Drive, bringing hundreds of residents to drop off their gently used winter coats. And at the center of it was Seven Gables’ agent Yvonne Lin.
Yvonne has had a lot of jobs over the years–actress, wealth manager, and for the past 17 years, a real estate agent. What unites all these positions is a passion for helping others. Since joining the real estate world in 2007, Yvonne has built a reputation for building connections and supporting the San Gabriel Valley. However, her commitment to the community extends beyond her professional life.
In 2023, Yvonne started the Coat Drive after seeing a real need in the neighborhood.
“I always try to do something for my community whenever I can. Last year, as I was driving, I noticed more people in need on the streets than usual. That sparked the idea for my next event, which I wanted to focus on providing for those folks,” said Yvonne.
Both years, Yvonne partnered with the El Monte Emergency Resources Association, an organization that focuses on supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley. They provide critical services, including meals, clothing, and resources to help people transition to more stable situations.
Last year, Yvonne and other agents collected ten boxes of coats, totaling over 300 lbs. But this year, the response was overwhelming. Thanks to Yvonne’s planning and the community’s donations, they collected over 800 lbs of warm coats–nearly triple last year’s donations.
For over two hours, local residents poured in to drop off new and gently used winter coats at Seven Gables’ Monrovia Office. Yvonne, along with a dedicated team of fellow agents, were waiting to collect and organize all the donations. After donating their coats, attendees could mingle and pick up some refreshments from Monarch Donuts or participate in a giveaway sponsored by Advantage One Escrow.
Once the coats were collected, they were delivered to the El Monte Emergency Resources Association, where they were sorted and distributed to those in need along with Thanksgiving meals for the holiday season.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Yvonne shared her gratitude to the community and fellow agents for their effort and time.
“My favorite part of the coat drive is seeing the community come together to make a difference. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch people contribute with such generosity, knowing that something as simple as a coat can have such a big impact,” Yvonne said.
