In its 15th year, The News Observer’s annual Coats for Kids drive runs like a finely tuned clock.
Thanks to everyone who participates, and to Walmart of Blue Ridge for helping collect the coats, the drive has become a staple of tradition that touches hundreds of children every year.
This year was no exception.
Readers donated 620 new coats to be given to less fortunate children in Fannin County and the Copper Basin. The majority of these coats, as always, went to meet the needs determined through the Fannin County Empty Stocking Program. It is through this volunteer group the drive began and it remains a major contributor to the drive’s goal of reaching less fortunate children.
The newspaper and numerous organizations direct the coats to other needs after the Empty Stocking distribution. Every group, every volunteer, is greatly appreciated.
But the real success comes from the generosity of The News Observer’s readers. This year’s donations brought the 15 year total to 10,088 coats.
That reflects a readership who cares and to each one we say thank you.