Record-setting heat means most of us are still wearing our summer clothes, but now that it is October, we can be hopeful things will begin to cool down. But cold weather causes its own challenges, especially for families who don’t have the means to buy warm clothing.
For about a decade now, the Rotary Club of Carrollton has been hosting an event called “Share the Warmth,” soliciting warm clothing donations to then turn around and donate to needy families. This year’s event again will be held at First Baptist Church in Downtown Carrollton on Saturday, Nov. 9, in the Fellowship Hall. Doors open at 10:00 and will close when the clothing runs out or at noon, whichever comes first.
The day before the event, volunteers sort through the donations and group them by type and size, filling tabletops with mounds of warm, snuggly clothing, from pants to sweatshirts to jackets to sweaters to shoes to socks. Other items are needed beyond clothing – blankets, sleeping bags, “anything that can keep people warm,” said organizer Bunny Godard.
Rotarian Godard, a past president of the club, has spearheaded this event for years and notes how she is always amazed at the generosity of our community, but equally amazed at the overall need. Each year, adult clothing is donated in abundance, but also each year, children’s clothing runs out after the first hour.
“We are always in need of children’s clothing and I make a special appeal to get more,” said Godard. “Because of this, any monetary donations we receive is used to buy new children’s clothing. The need is great.”
Monetary donations can be made out to the Rotary Club of Carrollton, P.O. Box 948, Carrollton, GA 30117. Godard also said if anyone would like a tax letter, he/she can send a request to the same P.O. Box and to let her know what was donated.
Clothing is entirely free to clients on a first-come, first-served basis.
Donations are accepted now through Nov. 7 and can be dropped off at four convenient Carrollton locations: The Times-Georgian, 901 Hay’s Mill Road; Carrollton Club Apartments, 1130 Cedar Street; Jill Duncan State Farm Insurance, 1654 Maple Street, and Gradick Communications, 102 Parkwood Circle.
“Even though we’ve been sponsoring this community service for years, every year there is still a need,” said Godard. “We appreciate donors who take the time to go through their closets, drop off their donations, and help us help our community.”
