Times-Courier clothing drive brings over 4,000 items to Gilmer schools
During the recent holiday season, the Times-Courier asked its readers to consider donating clothing items for local schools. Once again, the local community came through in a big way.
Donations received for the newspaper’s 2021 Bring a Bundle Clothing Drive were delivered to five local schools last week. The final tally shows 4,109 items were donated, which was 901 more than the 2020 drive’s total.
Donations were made in the following categories — pants: 213, underwear: 1,124, shoes: 88, socks: 1,347, coats: 210, gloves, scarves and hats: 267, shirts: 145, toiletries: 714.
The donated clothing is used in clothes closets at Ellijay Elementary, Clear Creek Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Clear Creek Middle and Gilmer High School.
“Our students use the clothes closet confidentially. They can visit it throughout the day to pick whatever they may need. Often, students need clothing, socks, and shoes. They may (also) need a winter coat, boggin and gloves. Students are also aware that they can come to the clothes closet for toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and soap,” said Cayla West, Clear Creek Elementary nurse.
“The support from our community really helps in meeting the needs of our students, and Clear Creek Elementary greatly appreciates the generous donations,” she added.
Gilmer High School Principal Dr. Carla Foley said the donations will go a long way toward ensuring the high school’s students have warm clothes in the months ahead.
“We are beyond grateful to the Gilmer community for the generous donation of shoes, clothing and toiletries,” she added. “The kindness of the people who continue to donate to our clothes closet and food pantry never cease to amaze us. We are truly blessed!”
A wide variety of clothing sizes for all school ages, as well as a large amount of personal hygiene items, were donated this year. In return, 285 local newspaper subscriptions were given to those who brought in bundles.
“Every year, the donations grow. It’s amazing to see a community reaching out to stock the closets of our schools to help students who may be in need of clothes, shoes or a jacket,” said Times-Courier Publisher Andy Ashurst. “We are thankful to our readers who make this such a success.”