Posted 11:53 pm Friday, December 21, 2012
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Gift of Warmth campaign collects blankets, provides heating unit for family
More than 200 blankets were collected for the Gift of Warmth campaign this week through East Texas Refrigeration and The Salvation Army in Tyler, doubling their original goal.
“With temperatures predicted to drop in time for the official start of winter, dozens of blankets will be given out every day to help ensure that families are staying warm,” Major Ben Lawrence with The Salvation Army said in a news release. “We are so grateful to East Texas Refrigeration and the local community for the generosity that was shown during this blanket drive.”
East Texas Refrigeration and The Salvation Army are hoping to make the Giving the Gift of Warmth project an annual tradition.
“Thank you to everyone who has dropped off a blanket or donated online. We’re hoping to help provide warmth to as many people as possible in time for the holidays,” Todd Green, owner of East Texas Refrigeration, said.
The company began the Giving the Gift of Warmth project in November by partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Smith County to provide a central heating and air conditioning system to a family in need and decided to partner with The Salvation Army to continue to spread the gift of warmth even further throughout the Tyler Community.
Patricia Hawkins, 60, was chosen to receive home repairs and the central heating/cooling system for her home, where she lives with her two small grandchildren. The family simply made do with fans in the summer and blankets in the winter.
“With temperatures predicted to drop in time for the official start of winter, dozens of blankets will be given out every day to help ensure that families are staying warm,” Major Ben Lawrence with The Salvation Army said in a news release. “We are so grateful to East Texas Refrigeration and the local community for the generosity that was shown during this blanket drive.”
East Texas Refrigeration and The Salvation Army are hoping to make the Giving the Gift of Warmth project an annual tradition.
“Thank you to everyone who has dropped off a blanket or donated online. We’re hoping to help provide warmth to as many people as possible in time for the holidays,” Todd Green, owner of East Texas Refrigeration, said.
The company began the Giving the Gift of Warmth project in November by partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Smith County to provide a central heating and air conditioning system to a family in need and decided to partner with The Salvation Army to continue to spread the gift of warmth even further throughout the Tyler Community.
Patricia Hawkins, 60, was chosen to receive home repairs and the central heating/cooling system for her home, where she lives with her two small grandchildren. The family simply made do with fans in the summer and blankets in the winter.
“I just had to make it the best way I could,” she said. “I so appreciate everything.”
The Salvation Army Social Services office services about 120 families a week and each family can receive as many as three blankets depending on the family and blanket availability.
From November to February there is the possibility of giving out more than 2,000 blankets, so the community’s blanket donations are necessary to meet such a large need.
Donations may still be made throughout the year.
New blankets can be dropped off at East Texas Refrigeration (ETR) on 4700 Old Troup Highway in Tyler from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at The Salvation Army, 633 N. Broadway Ave., building Three in Tyler.
Area donors also may visit www.etrtyler.com and click on the “Giving the Gift of Warmth” icon to make an online donation. Every $15 donated will purchase one new blanket for a community member in need.
Make sure to write “Tyler – Gift of Warmth” in the “Specific Use” section of the donation page.
For more information about the Giving the Gift of Warmth project, please contact Tricia Stout at 903-593-9399.
The Salvation Army Social Services office services about 120 families a week and each family can receive as many as three blankets depending on the family and blanket availability.
From November to February there is the possibility of giving out more than 2,000 blankets, so the community’s blanket donations are necessary to meet such a large need.
Donations may still be made throughout the year.
New blankets can be dropped off at East Texas Refrigeration (ETR) on 4700 Old Troup Highway in Tyler from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at The Salvation Army, 633 N. Broadway Ave., building Three in Tyler.
Area donors also may visit www.etrtyler.com and click on the “Giving the Gift of Warmth” icon to make an online donation. Every $15 donated will purchase one new blanket for a community member in need.
Make sure to write “Tyler – Gift of Warmth” in the “Specific Use” section of the donation page.
For more information about the Giving the Gift of Warmth project, please contact Tricia Stout at 903-593-9399.
