We wrapped up our winter coat drive last week—a day before the temperature in Southwest Georgia dropped to the mid 30s. Hundreds of area residents are much warmer today because of the kindness of others.

The coat drive started in the 2009 holiday season as a team effort between Southwest Georgia Farm Credit and the nonprofit Decatur County Family Connection. This year the effort expanded to cover a number of counties in our area. Residents of communities across Southwest Georgia responded generously, donating new and gently used coats, and brand new blankets, scarves, hats and mittens, for those without.

Local businesses, such as Grace Christian Academy, Decatur Auto Parts, AutoZone and Nichols Tractor, participated by providing drop-off points for the coats.

In each community, local cleaners, like Five Points Dry Cleaners here in Bainbridge, took on the task of cleaning all the clothes before they were distributed to those in need. We can’t thank them enough for their donation of time and service.

Many thanks are due to the caring families, coworkers, business owners and students whose generosity will help many others in their communities to make it through the cold winter months.

It’s been said the holiday season brings out the best in people. This year, it seems, we are even more keenly aware of the needs of others. Hard times bring us together. God bless.

Sincerely,
Richard Monson
Chief Executive Officer
Southwest Georgia Farm Credit