Local Democrats Kick Off Annual Partnership with Share the Warmth Coat Drive
This holiday season, Hunt County Democrats are proud to support the fifth annual Share the Warmth children’s coat drive benefiting Greenville ISD students. The drive collects new and gently used coats and jackets to distribute to students of all ages and genders in the district who are experiencing hardship.
“This is absolutely one of our favorite service projects because we believe in helping local families get through tough times,” says Larry P. Davis, who serves as chair of the Hunt County Democratic Party. “We try to break our record each year. Our members have set a goal this year to collect at least 100 coats.”
Whitney Threatt, who coordinates the drive, says she’ll take all the help she can get. Serving as a parent involvement facilitator for Greenville ISD, Threatt says the coats help kids stay warm but also contribute to their academic success.
“Most people don’t realize how many families in our communities are hurting, especially these past few years,” Threatt says. “We know that students from families facing financial and other hardships receive lower test scores in school. I aim to meet the students’ basic needs at home so they are able to focus in school.”
Threatt began the drive five years ago when Dr. Norman Hall let her set up a drop off box at his office in Greenville. It wasn’t long until Davis saw the box and volunteered his organization to help collect coats. The drive has continued to grow since then, with multiple drop off boxes located at businesses across Greenville.
The drive, which ends Dec. 5, is asking for new or gently used coats and other items to help students stay warm, including toboggans, earmuffs, scarves, gloves and footwear. Threatt says she is happy to set up drop off boxes at any local businesses that are willing to help. Current locations include:
- Greenville ISD PRIDE Center, 3923 Henry Street
- Dr. Norman Hall, 5402 Wesley Street, Suite D
- Alliance Bank, 6609 Wesley Street
- Texan Theater lobby, 2712 Lee Street
- Wesley United Methodist Church, 1200 E. Joe Ramsey Blvd.
Additionally, Threatt says she will accept other items that can help Greenville ISD families this season, including gift and gas cards, sheets and blankets, toys, games or even craft supplies for family activity nights.
“There are so many things that we may take for granted, yet mean so much to families in need,” Threatt says. “Community support is crucial to my ability to provide help to those who ask for it. Everything helps.”
To learn how you can help or volunteer to host a drop off box, contact Whitney Threatt at 903-494-8922, [email protected]. To donate items toward the Hunt County Democrats’ goal, contact Larry P. Davis at 903-456-1091, [email protected].