The Salvation Army and United Way of the CSRA are both collecting items to help low-income individuals and the homeless.
The Salvation Army is collecting coats to be distributed as the winter cold is taking hold in the Augusta area.
“Our founder, William Booth, once said that it is impossible to comfort men’s hearts with the love of God when their feet are perishing with cold,” said Captain Jonathan Raymer, Augusta Area Commander.
They are collecting new or gently used coats in all sizes, for all ages and genders.
“We’re asking the community to clean out their closets. The homeless population is so diverse and the low-income population needing support is so diverse that children, adults, men, women, all sizes are needed,” said Development Director Derek Dugan, adding, “The Salvation Army Center of Hope averaged 12 children in the shelter at any given time last year. The average stay for a family staying in our shelter is 72 days.”
They are also accepting donations of hats, gloves, scarves and socks.
Donations can be dropped off at the Kroc Center at 1833 Broad St., the Center of Hope at 1384 Greene St. and at the donation center at 3715 Benchmark Dr. Donations will also be accepted at the Salvation Army stores in North Augusta and Thomson.
The collection drive continues until Feb. 7. The donations will be distributed at a resource fair scheduled for Feb. 11 at the Center of Hope.
The CSRA AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers, working with the United Way of the CSRA, participated in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service by collecting personal hygiene items like soap, shampoo and toothpaste.
“For the past 14 years, they have put on a toiletry drive on Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day, in order for it to be a day on and not a day off,” explained volunteer Sharonda Williams. “Last year, they were able to collect enough toiletries to provide over 2,000 toiletry bags to the community. We’re hoping to do the same this year.”
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Williams said the items collected will be used to create emergency hygiene kits. The kits will be distributed to seniors in need, low-income families and the homeless.
The event was originally scheduled for Jan. 17 but was postponed one day because of the threat of inclement weather. They will continue to accept donations at the United Way office into the week of Jan. 24 due to possible inclement weather on Jan. 21.
Monetary donations can also be made by texting MLKDrive to 41444. Items can be purchased through the Amazon list.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
