On one of the coldest mornings of the year, Sue Steiner, a volunteer with the Decatur County Family Connection, was out delivering coats and blankets to some folks in need of a little tender, love and care.

For one family, the blankets she handed off produced wide smiles and great appreciation for their neighbors who cared enough to lend a helping hand.

“They were grinning from ear to ear,” Steiner said. “And what perfect timing—just as the weather turns cold.”

Steiner, Allison Harrell and the rest of the volunteers and staff at the Family Connection will spend this week and next making sure everyone who needs a coat will have one.

The second annual blanket and coat drive, sponsored by Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, produced nearly double the amount of winter clothing and blankets collected last year—a huge relief for those who know about the incredible need in our community.

“When I think about the time and effort and incredible generosity of our neighbors in this community, it makes you so proud, especially at this time of year,” said Richard Monson, chief executive officer at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit. “We reached out to the community and asked for businesses to be drop off locations; we worked with Five Points Dry Cleaners to be sure every coat and blanket was ready to wear—all of these folks saw a need and were committed to making a difference. We can’t thank them enough.”

If you still have clothing items you’d like to donate, contact Harrell at 400-7559 or Steiner at 400-0228.