Eight organizations, including five non-profit social service agencies, will launch a three-week drive to collect winter coats for impoverished individuals and disadvantaged families in Jackson at a news conference at AMR’s offices, 600 Melvin Bender Drive, 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 14.
Stewpot Community Services, Good Samaritan Center, Living Independence for Everyone, Deliver Me Senior Support Services and The Salvation Army are participating in the project with Jackson Roller Derby, Jackson Fire Department and AMR.
The project is named, “Skates and Sirens: Coats to the Rescue.” Organizers encourage donating any size used coats in good condition or new coats. They also suggest donating winter hats, gloves and scarves.
Organizers say there is a strong need for the project in the metro area.
Jackson Roller Derby member Jessica Cain said, “Hundreds of people of all ages in and near Jackson lack a good winter coat. Some people without coats are homeless and there are also families with homes who simply don’t have the money for adequate coats. From now until spring, they’ll all suffer in the cold. Please help.”
The project ends on January 5. Each of Jackson Fire Department’s 21 stations will serve as collection points between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. each day.
Cleotha Sanders, deputy chief at JFD said, “The holidays are a time of giving. We’re asking the more fortunate among us: Go to your closets, take out good used coats your family no longer wears. Then, bring them to a Jackson fire station between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. any day Or add a new coat to your shopping or return lists and drop it off at any JFD station you pass on your way home.”
Each person donating a coat can choose which of the five charitable agencies receives the coat. Donors can also request a receipt for a tax deduction.