Local charity drives need participation

The Alleghany Family Resource Center has held a winter coat and clothing drive for the last two years, however, the results of this year’s drive have been disappointing.

“The first year, we had some cooperation, but last year, we had a lot of support,” said Lisa Pickens, program coordinator with the Family Resource Center.

The center began collecting coats on Oct. 1 and as of presstime, the results have been less than desirable, demonstrating a dwindle in support.

“Hopefully, someone will see the ad in the paper (on Page 9A of the Oct. 14 issue of The Alleghany News) and in return, have them see that they can contribute the community and help families who are less fortunate,” Pickens said.

Although the ad states that items will be collected until the end of the month, Pickens said the date for collecting items will be extended due to the lack of contributions.

Normally, we start giving them out to families on Nov. 1,” explained Pickens. “However, we are very limited to the items we have to give to families at this time.

“Last year, we had so much left over, we were able to contribute to Alleghany CARES, therein serving the entire community,” she continued. “We were able to serve those who did needed the assistance.”

Pickens then told the tale of three families in the community in need of coats and clothes.

“We have had three families in the community to call the center stating they need coats and clothes,” she said,” and regretfully, I have had to tell them we didn’t have anything to fit them at this time.”

Normally, the center collects donations of winter clothing, coats and “any items that are not being used or needed” until the end of October.

However, they will now accept donations past that date, in hopes of increasing the number of donations received.

Pickens implores the members of the community to contribute to what she and her co-workers refer to as a “worthy cause.”

The items dispersed among the community are given by quantity of those in the family. “For example, a family of four would be able to get a total of four coats and eight outfits, ” Pickens said.

To learn more about the winter coat and clothing drive, call the Family Resource Center at 372-6583.

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