Grizz Pest Management Launches 'Grizz Gives Warm' Coat Drive

CHICAGO — Grizz Pest Management kicked off their Grizz Gives Warmth event, a coat drive aimed at helping local families in need this winter across the Chicagoland area. The company is partnering with BEDS Plus, a local nonprofit that aids individuals and families facing homelessness. 

From Nov. 1 to Dec. 1, Grizz Pest Management technicians will be collecting new and gently used coats from customers during their service visits. The collected donations will then be dropped off at local shelters and organizations on Dec 6.

Owner Andrew Novinger was born and raised in Western Springs, Ill. Andrew founded Grizz Pest Management in 2017 with degrees in biology and entomology, a passion for entrepreneurship and more than 15 years of pest control experience. "Grizz" honors Grizzly Bear, the company's beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever, who passed away from cancer in early 2017. 

"We believe that no one should have to face the cold without proper winter clothing, and this initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the communities we serve," said Andrew Novinger, Owner of Grizz Pest Management. "We have a longstanding relationship with Beds Plus and regularly support their events, such as the Bread and Soup event. This season, we wanted to expand our efforts and further support their mission to aid those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity."

As a family-owned business, being active in the community is part of Grizz's identity, so launching the Grizz Gives Warmth coat drive felt like a natural way to give back during the holiday season, Novinger said.

Grizz Pest has contributed to several organizations, including Beds Plus, La Grange Highlands Educational Foundation, Western Springs Park District, La Grange Pet Parade, and Brookfield Zoo.