Hall County coat drive to support local veterans

A Hall County organization is collecting coats and warm weather gear to support the community's veterans this holiday season.

From now until December 23, the Latinos Conservative Organization is collecting coats, jackets, accessories, blankets, socks, and other goods to distribute to Hall County veterans and others in need as part of their second annual Operation Coat Drive.

"We're about to enter the cold season," said Art Gallegos Jr., president of LCO. "And we just recently did a feed the homeless initiative here in Gainesville, and I personally went out to these camps and looked at the conditions. They need blankets, they need jackets, they need coats, they need socks."

Those wishing to drop off items can do so at two locations: Jackson EMC and Farmers Insurance.

Gallegos said they will accept items for all genders and ages. Items don't have to be in new condition, either, Gallegos said, just whatever the community could give back.

"We would prefer to have them new, but I do understand a lot of people have semi-used, semi-new," said Gallegos. "Whatever people want to donate with their hearts, the people are very appreciative when they have it."

Specific items Gallegos said they could use included coats and jackets, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, blankets, and socks. 

"I would love to invite everyone to take the opportunity to give back at this time of season," said Gallegos. "You know, being thankful, we just came out of Thanksgiving. But now... it's the season of giving and when you give you receive something inside of you that is a big award, it is for me. You know, when you give it's because God has blessed you to be able to bless others."