The Hall County Latinos Conservative Organization is running a winter clothing donation drive until Dec. 23.
The LCO is collecting winter clothing at various locations in Hall County for the third year in a row. The items will be distributed to military veterans in need on Dec. 23 and 24. Needed donations include socks, boots, coats, beanies, gloves, scarves and other apparel that protects against the cold. Drop-off locations include Jackson EMC at 1000 Dawsonville Highway, Gainesville, Keller Williams Lanier Partners at 631 Dawsonville Highway and Farmers Insurance at 747 Queen City Parkway, Suite B in Gainesville. The three locations accept donations between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Art Gallegos Jr. is the president of the LCO and says the donation effort was inspired by an experience he had several years ago.
“I came across, you know, a veteran here in Hall County as I was walking the neighborhood, and actually by the square, and came to find out that he had some ripped shoes, and, you know, the clothing, you could tell that he was living on the streets and came to chat with him, came to find out that he was a veteran—army,” Gallegos said. “And, you know, I just was taken aback about the stories that he's struggled and so many of them have struggled in the past.”
The LCO is an organization built on service and community engagement—two factors that Gallegos is proud to be able to provide to the citizens of Hall County.
“We've done, you know, food distribution for the homeless, we've actually done food distribution for the COVID relief, we've actually done, you know, shoe drives—actually our first drive that we did, we did shoe drives, and we collected over 300 shoes,” Gallegos said. “We've had kids come out with their parents, and this is a great way to teach our generation and our kids to give back and to get involved with the things that, you know, are important, and that is to serve. And, you know, to me, it's one of the biggest gifts that God has given me.”
The LCO stays active year-round by performing city cleanups and food distribution, as well as providing ESL classes through community outreach. In the past, they have teamed up with local restaurants and businesses and hosted various conferences in order to spread their message of service. Gallegos is hopeful that in the future, the LCO can continue to partner with local businesses to set up donation drop-off locations.
Gallegos was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this year in April. One week after his diagnosis he went into surgery. For six months after that, Gallegos underwent frequent sessions of chemotherapy and is now completely cancer free.
“That just gives a testament of, you know, that God takes care of you when you take care of his children,” Gallegos said. “That's what we're here for. So, we hope to make an impact. But most of all, we hope to inspire people. And I've been blessed to be able to get a lot of messages because I never stopped during my chemo, I kept working.”
Gallegos affirmed his gratitude for the struggles he has overcome, attributing his success to his belief in God.
“It was a test of life, you know, so I love the fact that we were able to overcome it,” Gallegos said. “And here we are, we're continuing to serve, continuing to better ourselves, to better our community, better our families, better our city or county and even our state and why not our country."
The final day to donate winter clothing is Dec. 23. For more information about the LCO and their mission, you can visit their website or contact Gallegos directly at (678) 614-5011.
