Written by Ben Cox – A local charity is making it their mission, as they do every year, to keep those in need warm and dry this winter.
The Brownwood chapter of the Salvation Army has kicked off their annual Winter Coat drive, to allow them to provide coats, shoes and blankets to those who cannot provide them for themselves.
The drive begins every October, and often continues through February if conditions require it. Salvation Army Center Director Stacy Tennison says that while they don’t specialize in clothing year round, “the coat drive is something we have been doing for quite some time now, and we feel if we can help it is worth it.”
Boots, shoes, socks, and blankets are all needed to keep the drive going. Tennison says “this drive is 100% funded by donations, just like Back to School where we provided almost 500 kids with school supplies free of charge.”
The Salvation Army was the go-to shelter during the Zephyr fire for evacuated residents who needed a place to go before they could return to their homes. Their disaster team travels all over the state working as a canteen to support the men and women who are assisting others.
The service center also operates a soup kitchen during the week to feed Brownwood residents who are in need of a hot meal.
The Salvation Army is in need donations to help us to help those who can’t help themselves. If you feel moved to donate, the center is located at 403 Lakeway Drive, near the intersection with Mulberry St, their phone number is 325-646-5369.
