Remember that old black-and-white movie of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”? When I was a child, it scared me “nigh on to death” in the beginning when Marley's ghost spoke from Scrooge's door knocker. By the end, old Scrooge was scared “nigh on to death” himself by the visiting Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
After his Christmas conversion, old Scrooge flung open his window and asked a boy in the street below, “What day is this?”
When the boy answered Christmas morning, Scrooge shouted for joy. “I haven't missed it!”
Well, folks, you haven't missed it, either. It's not too late to warm children's hearts this Christmas-as well as their arms and shoulders. Donations for the Newberry County “Coats for Kids Drive” are being accepted through Friday (and beyond).
Do not be deceived by the warmth of this week, folks. My grandfather was a farmer, and he knew weather signs well. This year we have a bumper crop of pecans and acorns, and the berries are on the holly in abundance. All signs point to a hard winter-and this year, that's about more than the weather. Many of our neighbors are struggling: some have lost their jobs, and others have had their work hours cut.
Yes, it's going to be a cold winter for many of our neighbors.
We can help by giving their children coats.
Gerdi Lake of the Newberry County Recreation Department first noticed the need at a soccer game this fall. She saw a boy, shivering, and asked where was his coat. He pointed to a light jacket on the bench, and she knew then that he would be cold all through the winter unless something was done to help.
Other communities had “Coats for Kids” programs, she thought. Why not Newberry?
So it is, a partnership of the County of Newberry Recreation Department, the Newberry County YMCA, and the Newberry School Supplies Drive is now asking for your help to keep children warm this winter.
Coats are needed for boys and girls in sizes from 0-months for infants to 2T for toddlers through adult 2X. The Newberry County DSS has reported an immediate need for 200 coats, and the Coats for Kids sponsors believe there is need for an additional 200.
Mittens and scarves, hats and warms blankets are also welcome.
“I ask each citizen of the county to search his or her closets for a coat that will help keep a child warm this winter,” Gerdi said.
Coats should be “gently used,” the standard being: is this a coat you would want one of your children to wear to school? If you have no “gently used” coat to offer, your donation to purchase one would be greatly appreciated. (Checks may be made out to the Newberry County Family YMCA.)
Adults can always “make do” with an old coat for another couple of years, but children grow fast. Last year's coat won't fit, and children will go cold-without your help.
Please, check those closets for coats your children have outgrown, for coats you don't wear any more. You'll be giving yourself a little gift by clearing some space in your closet, and you'll be giving yourself a big gift: the warm feeling of giving to a neighbor in need.
After all, giving is what breathes life into the Spirit of Christmas.
“It's our ultimate goal to make sure that everyone who needs a warm winter coat this season has one,” Gerdi said.
A chill in the national economy need not leave Newberry's children shivering-if we all reach into our closets. “It is our community helping our community.”
Please, take your donations to:
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