An annual coat drive to help local children and adults stay warm during the winter months is underway in Stephens County.
This is the fourth annual coat drive organized by Family Connection and Communities in Schools of Stephens County, formerly known as Partners for Success.
The organization’s Executive Director, Toni Childress, said they are now accepting donations of new or gently used coats, hats, and gloves.
“For the last four years, we have collected children’s and adult’s coats, new and gently used, and then we re-distribute them in the school system, through Head Start, and through other agencies and shelters in our county,” said Childress.
Drop-off boxes are located at each Stephens County school, as well as at a number of other locations throughout the county.
Last year, the drive collected more than 600 coats for individuals in Stephens County.
However, Childress said the need remains great.
“Poverty is a real issue for our county,” said Childress. “In Georgia, 1 in every 4 children live in poverty. In Stephens County, 1 in every 3 live in poverty, so it is a real struggle to meet basic needs and this is just so appreciated, not only by the people that receive these coats, but the people that run these organizations (that distribute them).”
Donations will be accepted through January 4, 2013.
For more information, call Family Connection and Communities in Schools of Stephens County at 706-886-2880, extension 2010.